Coffs Harbour resident Awin Binei Nohd Kadri grew up on a small fruit farm in Malaysia and is now gaining skills in growing food crops at TAFE NSW so she can share her knowledge with her father back home.

Awin moved to Australia in 2019 and is undertaking a Statement of Attainment in Growing Good Food Crops at TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour while working at Costa Berry as a Fruit Picker.

“I fill in at Costa Berry as an Assistant Supervisor sometimes and it’s my goal to be promoted to the position full time. This course is helping me build practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, so that I am a strong contender,” said Awin.

“My father grows Rambutan and Mangosteen in Malaysia. When I have the knowledge I can one day return to the country and teach him new skills to grow more fruits for our family. Learning with TAFE NSW means I’ll be equipped with skills to grow a range of foods and I can one day start my own farm.”

The fee-free course equips students to understand types of soil, controlling plant pest, how to control weeds, and operate pressurised irrigation systems.

The course comes at a time when Australians are more attuned to provenance and seasonality and want a direct connection to their food. Research reveals that 52% of all Australian households are growing some of their food, meaning, 4.7 million households are gardening and growing some sustenance for their kitchens with their own hands.

TAFE NSW Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation Land Management Head Teacher Jacqui Johnson said the new course has been established to help satisfy a growing interest in sustainable food crop growing techniques throughout the region.

“In my experience, people are becoming more interested in where, and how, their food is being grown,” Ms Johnson said.

“There is a lot of satisfaction in growing your own food and even more satisfaction in knowing it has been done sustainably.”

To find out more about studying agriculture or any other courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist