Posted by on
22/03/2024
For many urban families, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a welcome opportunity to connect with Australian farmers and learn about where their food comes from, and how it is produced.
And this year, Rabobank – the world’s largest food and agri bank – is thrilled to help contribute to the Australian farm-to-fork story, thanks to a dedicated space in the Woolworths Ag Discovery Pavilion.
Interactive and bursting with fun, visitors will discover the world of opportunities in food and agribusiness, with Rabobank Brand Manager, Kimberley Silva, describing the space as exciting and inspiring.
“In keeping with the 2024 Woolworths Ag Discovery theme of 'Hope' for the next generation, we will be sharing stories about the farm to fork food journey, career opportunities in the food and agri sector, and how we can work together to reduce food waste using the newly launched Saveful App,” she explained.
“We want people to walk away inspired, educated and excited by agriculture, and we have some fantastic interactive initiatives such as a “#ThankAFarmer” wall, where children can write personalised messages to our Aussie farmers, and win great prizes in the meantime.”
The Agri Question and Answer wall will also reveal many little known facts that will be sure to delight – Is it true that sheep and goats have rectangle pupils?
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see Rabobank clients in their paddocks, creating farm fresh recipes via CH 10 cooking program Farm to Fork, which will replay on the big screen at the site.
“A partnership with the Farm to Fork cooking program is just another of the creative ways Rabobank aims to help connect urban and rural Australia, and showcase our amazing producers on farm, and the important work they do every day feeding Australia.”
Supporting a future generation into food and agri careers
Also included in the Rabobank stand is a space dedicated to exploring career options within the food and agri sector, with participants of the Rabobank Graduate Program on hand to share their experiences.
A ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ wall, where young ones can write down their aspirations will help lead conversations, and a spinning wheel with different career options will also provoke thought.
“There’s still a misconception amongst students that a career in agribusiness means farming, yet we want to encourage our youth to consider an ag elective or degree – whether it’s in ag tech, science, banking, marketing or the like - the opportunities are endless.”
Each year, Rabobank welcomes a cohort of final year, or recent University graduates full-time employment covering a range of sectors and regions within the bank through the Rabobank Graduate Program.
Further supporting agri career pathways, a Women in Technology Cadetship for first or second year female IT University students is also a valuable initiative, with both programs accepting applications in July.
Helping contribute to a food waste solution
With Australia’s national food waste bill now hitting $19.3 billion – enough to feed two million households – Rabobank has recently partnered with Saveful, a free app that helps households save food, money, and time.
“As a dedicated food and agribusiness bank, we want to help consumers maximise their food, waste less, and save money in the process, and are committed to helping Aussies understand how food gets from farm to fork and tackle the global food waste challenge together.”
The team from Saveful will be at the stand to share their chef hacks and create delicious meals with what’s on hand in their fridge or pantry.
“The Saveful app provides comprehensive and practical recipes and tips with the potential to save households between $2,000-$3,000 each year,” Kimberley explains. “From weeknight tacos, roast vegetables or a creamy pasta, Saveful enables Australians to serve up a meal with what they already have, puts to good use those often-forgotten items in the cupboard or fridge and prevents endless trips to the supermarket.”
Feel good about your savings
The stand will also include representatives from the Rabobank Online Savings team, outlining how 100 percent of money deposited with Rabobank through Online Savings is used to fund Australian farmers and agribusinesses.
“As a bank started by farmers, for farmers, we’re so proud of our global co-operative roots – values that remain strong to this day.”
“Without shareholders, our customers are assured that their deposits remain in Australia, helping farmers bring food to their tables three times a day.”
Highly competitive rates provide even further reason for Rabobank Online Savers to smile, with the award winning Rabobank High Interest Savings Account (HISA) currently offering up to 5.75% p.a.*
Over the course of the 12 days, 890,000 people are expected to visit this year’s Royal Easter Show, with the Woolworths Discovery Space a popular attraction.
Kimberley said the opportunity to stand side-by-side with other national ag ambassadors such as Meat and Livestock Australia, Riverina Fresh Working Dairy, Happy Soils, Grain Farm and Cotton – Here for Good, all celebrating and showcasing ag, was a valuable chance to contribute to a strong industry future.
Gates to The Sydney Royal Easter Show open daily at 9am, and close at 7.00pm with visitors welcome to come down and meet the Rabobank team, and learn all about food and agriculture, in the Woolworths Ag Discovery Pavilion.
*Available for new customers for 4 months from the day the account is opened, after which the rate will revert to the Standard Variable Rate. Introductory rate is variable and subject to change at any time. Terms and conditions apply (available at Rabobank.com.au or by calling 1800 445 445).