Science

Agricultural and Horticultural Studies Bushfood Innovations Program

As part of their work on emerging agricultural industries, the Year 11 Agricultural and Horticultural studies students participated in the Ballarat Tech School’s Bushfood Innovations program on Tuesday, 11 February.

During the program, students were tasked with using Generative AI to design a recipe for brownies incorporating native Australian ingredients. Once designed, students applied STEM principles in reviewing their initial recipe attempt before further refining it. 

Students were able to reflect on how native Australian ingredients – such as Strawberry Gum, Pepper Berry and Lemon Myrtle, could be used within the food industry, and potentially adding value to an agricultural enterprise. 

To finalise their product, students were then tasked with using Generative AI to create a market promotion for their product. For some students, this was the first time using programs such as Adobe Firefly, Microsoft Copilot and Sumo, but all adapted quickly to the technology and showed great innovation in their final products. Again, this task allowed students to explore how modern technologies can be easily adapted to benefit agricultural businesses and promote locally sourced produce. 

At the end of the program, the students competed in a product taste-test and promotion competition, with Hunter Vansomeren, Ollie Daykin and Rory Bell demonstrating an exceptional product and winning the day overall.

Well done to these boys and the entire Ag Hort cohort for their fantastic engagement with the program!