Australian schools called on for national agricultural knowledge survey
Schools across Australia are being encouraged to help CQUniversity Australia researchers uncover what young Australians know about agriculture by taking part in the 2026 Agricultural Knowledge Student Survey.
Open to students in Years 4 to 12, the national survey aims to build the Australian agricultural industry’s understanding of students’ knowledge and awareness of the sector.
The findings will help CQUniversity researchers develop educational programs and professional learning opportunities for teachers designed to increase students’ knowledge, perception and appreciation of agriculture.
The survey builds on CQUniversity research conducted in 2021, which involved 5,187 eligible students from 157 schools across Australia. The research found Australian students had a moderate level of agricultural knowledge overall, with room for improvement across several key areas.
CQUniversity Interim Director of the Institute for Future Farming Systems Professor Amy Cosby, said the new survey would provide an updated picture of agricultural knowledge among Australian school students.
“Agriculture is a diverse and rapidly evolving industry, and understanding what young Australians know about it can help us identify opportunities to strengthen agricultural education,” Amy said.
“By hearing directly from students across Australia, we can identify where knowledge gaps exist and ensure education and engagement activities focus on the areas where they can have the greatest impact.”
The 2021 survey highlighted gaps in students’ awareness of agricultural technology and career opportunities. While students were generally able to identify traditional careers associated with agriculture, many struggled to identify less obvious career paths in the sector, such as scientists, bankers and journalists.
“Previous research has shown some really interesting gaps in students’ understanding of agriculture, from how cows are milked to recognising that cotton comes from a plant,” Amy said.
“These everyday examples show why it’s so important that young people understand where their food and fibre come from and how modern agriculture works.”
Amy said agriculture offered a diverse range of opportunities that extended well beyond traditional perceptions of the sector.
“Agriculture today involves science, technology, innovation and a diverse range of skills and professions, so it is important that young people have an accurate understanding of the industry and the opportunities available to them,” she said.
“The 2026 survey will help us build an updated picture and identify where there are still opportunities to improve students’ knowledge and awareness of agriculture.”
The survey includes a junior version for students in Grades 4 to 6 and a senior version for Years 7 to 12, with each taking no more than 15 minutes to complete.
Schools can choose which year levels and how many students participate, although whole classes or year levels are encouraged to take part to help researchers achieve a representative sample. Schools can participate online or using hard-copy surveys.
“We would love to see schools from communities right across Australia get involved,” Amy said.
“Whether students live in a major city, a regional community or an agricultural area, their perspectives can contribute to our understanding of how young Australians engage with agriculture.
“It is straightforward for schools to participate, with the survey taking no more than 15 minutes and schools able to select the classes or year levels that work best for them.”
Data collection will continue until the end of Term 4, with participating schools to receive a copy of the final report in Term 1 2027.
Schools interested in participating in the 2026 Agricultural Knowledge Student Survey can find out more and register at agri-techeducation.com/agknowledge-survey.
The Agricultural Knowledge Student Survey is undertaken by CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems, as part of the Agricultural Education and Extension cluster.
