A government- funded scheme helping schools pay for excursions to local farms has been extended following requests by Hawkesbury farmers. 

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, on February 3 asking for the deadline for the Kids to Farms scheme to be extended after meeting with Bilpin farmer, Aaron Brocken.

“I was delighted to receive a response from Mr Littleproud saying an extension to the program had been approved that allows activities to continue until June 30, 2023,” Ms Templeman said.

“This is a really welcome development, and I thank the Minister for listening to MPs like me, farmers like Aaron, and the NSW Farmers’ Association, which manages the program in this state.

“It means schools will be able to continue