Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund partnered with ‘George the Farmer’ on a mission to help educate children about where their food and fibre comes from in both a fun and educational way during this year’s National Book Week.
The specialist agribusiness bank and George the Farmer – a fictional character featured in a series of educational resources – will be awarding 50 primary schools across Australia a George the Farmer book set for their school libraries.
Rabobank client council manager, Yvette Loyson said George the Farmer’s down-to-earth manner and grassroots charm resonates “terrifically” with young children in rural locations while inspiring city-based children to have a better understanding and connection to agriculture.
Last year, the bank launched the Rabo Community Fund in Australia and New Zealand to invest in the sustainability and vitality of rural communities.
Ms Loyson said George the Farmer’s mission aligns well with the Rabo Community Fund’s key theme of creating urban/rural connections.
She said the George the Farmer book sets would contribute to increasing awareness of food and fibre production at schools, “potentially even sparking some children’s interest to pursue a career in agriculture.”
Ms Loyson said the book week initiative would be part of an ongoing partnership with George the Farmer.
George the Farmer founder Simone Kain said the Rabobank partnership, being launched to coincide with National Book Week, was a perfect fit for George the Farmer.
“We receive many photos every year of excited kids dressing up as George and Ruby Farmer at their school Book Week parades,” Ms Kain said.
“The Rabobank partnership champions agricultural literacy and will not only enable the education of many more kids, but inspire them to consider careers in agriculture.”
Applications for the book sets opened on Monday August 22, 2022 and will close on Monday September 5, 2022.
