Lego Farmer goes to Canberra

2 SEPTEMBER 2015

CSU student Ms Aimee Snowden has a passion for agriculture, an eye for photography and a knack for communication.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Ms Aimee Snowden has a passion for agriculture, an eye for photography and a knack for communication.

She's brought that together in her blog, the Lego Farmer and after taking part in the Global Youth-Ag Summit, is even more determined to educate people about food and fibre production.

Ms Snowden's studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management through CSU online and was one of 100 delegates from across the world who attended the Summit in Canberra last week.

"The summit was a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with youth from within the agricultural industry from all around the world," she said.

"It's inspiring to be in a room with so many people who share your passion and are able to bring to the table so many different experiences.

"We may feel we are alone in the issues we face in Australia but many of them are replicated around the world."

The theme of the Summit was feeding a hungry planet and delegates focused on five key issues to form part of a declaration to the United Nations.

"We focused on education and skill building, communication about the value of agricultural careers and farming, socially acceptable and responsible consumption, research and innovation to develop new production systems, and personal and organisational leadership," said Ms Snowden.

"Each delegate was encouraged to go back home with three little things that they can do in their community to help feed a hungry planet. Examples include starting a vegetable garden, eating locally and regionally produced food, and for those of us within the industry, being positive about the future of agriculture."

That positivity is something Ms Snowden is sharing with the wider community through social media with the help of a small plastic figure.

"I created the Lego Farmer to connect with others about the value of Australian agriculture.

"I enjoy taking photos, and this seem a good way for me to share my story about Australian agriculture in an engaging way through social media.

"We all have a connection to Lego from our childhood or through our children or grandchildren. Lego is easily recognised and provides a unique perspective, it's a great way to draw people in too!

"We want to connect with our consumers, and it's important to engage the next generation in an exciting career and industry. The children we educate today will be the consumers of 2050."

Education is also something Ms Snowden values, and has found through CSU online, she can study from her family farm at Tocumwal in southern NSW, while working locally.

"I'm studying online through Charles Sturt University and believe furthering my education is important for my future. I enjoy studying, and believe there is always a need to continue learning," she said.

Media Note:

Contact CSU Media to arrange interviews.

The 2015 Youth Ag-Summit was hosted by Future Farmers Network and Bayer Crop Science in Canberra from Monday 24 to Friday 28 August.

Photo on CSU front page is courtesy of Ms Aimee Snowden.

Photo: Delegates at the Youth Ag-Summit in Canberra in August 2015.

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