The state government has invested $2 million to support Western Australian agriculture by granting free entry to the IGA Perth Royal Show and local Royal Agriculture Society-affiliated shows for children aged 12 years and younger.
Agriculture and food minister Ken Baston said with demand for agricultural produce rising, there was great potential for expanding the sector, and it is important for children to learn about the agricultural industry from a young age.
“There are real opportunities for careers in agriculture and agricultural shows play an important role in showcasing the industry to the next generation,” he said.
“At a more basic level, children can learn where the food they eat really comes from.”
A media report said the Farm 2 Food Pavilion attracted about 200,000 people last year, giving them the opportunity to experience milling wheat into flour, sorting eggs, identifying potatoes, making pasta and cooking using local produce.
This year it will also include a mini-supermarket that will help children learn how to spot WA produce through the Buy West Eat Best labeling program.
The IGA Perth Royal Show runs from September 27 to October 4.
Last year, more than 450,000 people attended the show - its second highest attendance on record.
Adult passes to the show will cost $22, with IGA stores selling discounted tickets from August 29.
