THE old saying ‘you reap what you sow’ rings true at Tyrrell College.
Last week students from all year levels joined together for a shared lunch to celebrate the school’s first harvest following their involvement in the Food Ladder initiative.
Tyrrell College was the first Victorian school to take part in Food Ladder – a project aimed at addressing health, education and economic development outcomes through the establishment of hydroponic greenhouses.
Food Ladder head of partnerships Lucy Payne said the initiative tied in perfectly with Tyrrell College’s existing agricultural program, providing the added dimension of allowing students to grow and harvest their own crops while utilising hydroponic technology and climate-controlled greenhouse.
“This brings benefits such as improved access to healthy food, important life skills, increased student engagement, increased health and nutrition and improved education and career pathway outcomes,” Ms Payne said.
Tyrrell College ag program co-ordinator Ashlen Wright said the school welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Food Ladder initiative, with each student contributing the school’s first harvest by planting a seed.
“The students love it,” Ms Wright said.
“They have taken ownership and they get to see the transformation take place in a really short timeframe so they don’t lose interest.
“Within one week of planting the seeds germination takes place and within six weeks we have produce.”
Ms Wright said the students were interested in learning how temperature and nutrients affected growth rates and said the establishment of the Food Ladder hydroponic greenhouse eliminated insects and disease, having the potential to produce 280kg of fresh food each year.
Bearing the fruits of their labour last week, students sampled a delicious selection of salads which included lettuce, bok choy, tomatoes and herbs, including peppermint which was used to create a mouth-watering peppermint slice.
Among those attending the luncheon were local industry leaders and partners who participated in a forum, highlighting the various agricultural pathways which existed within the industry.
Sharing their career highlights and ambitions, panel participants spoke about the ever-changing impact technology was having on the industry and the various jobs and career paths which existed.
Offering their wisdom and knowledge, the leaders urged students to follow their passion, embrace every opportunity, ask lots of questions and never give up.
