It’s first task is to represent primary industries to the new national curriculum which is currently out for comment and further input.

Foundation chairman Dr Cameron Archer highlights the importance of the work of the foundation on behalf of its members.

"It is important children know where their food comes from, so that they can make informed choices in their diet throughout life. And we need to attract school leavers to education and training for careers in primary industries," he said.

The Primary Industries Education Foundation is a not-for-profit company with equal governance from the Federal Government, industry organisations and the education sector.

Through its unique structure and a skills based board it will be an 'honest broker' to provide creditable and informative resources for schools.

"Many in the various industry bodies and organisations have long felt a need for a national organisation to encourage a more structured and systematic approach to learning about primary industries in the school system," Dr Archer said.

“There are 9500 schools Australia-wide and we aim to bring primary industries to the national curriculum across subjects including maths, science or environmental studies - it's that important to our community and our future. Our goal is to grow student understanding of the role played by agriculture, fisheries and forestry as well as the management practices employed in these industries.

“We want conversations in the classroom and broader community to be based on factual information, and in turn that students see careers in these industries as appealing and rewarding.”

Organisations which have supported the establishment of PIEF include the Australian Government (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), with National Farmers’ Federation, Meat & Livestock Australia, National Association of Agricultural Educators, Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture and the CB Alexander Foundation.