WA Governor Kerry Sanderson launched the Muresk Open Day last Saturday morning, acknowledging the institute's long and rich history.
The Muresk Open Day is an opportunity for prospective students to witness new technologies, techniques and careers in the agricultural sector.
"Muresk first opened in 1926 as an agricultural college and has since played an important role in the WA agricultural landscape," Ms Sanderson said,
She was pleased to be at the opening day for two reasons.
"The first reason is Muresk celebrates its 90th birthday in October this year.
"The second is my father attended Muresk just before the Second World War.
"While he went on to the University of WA and did a masters in agricultural science, I know he really benefited and enjoyed his time here at Muresk."
Ms Sanderson said her father liked Muresk's practical, field-oriented approach, combined with its high level of teaching.
"I have been delighted as I have walked around this morning, meeting a number of groups who collaborate with Muresk, that it has become a multi-use hub for agriculture education and training, research and development," Ms Sanderson said.
"To me the innovative partnership models have proven to be the key to Muresk's recent success within the agriculture and agri-business industries."
Ms Sanderson said farmers were innovators and scientists by necessity, and have consistently delivered on food security, safety and quality and become more resource efficient using technology.
"The scare last year with imported berries helped us understand how important it was to have food safety," she said.
"What I also particularly like is agriculture is again being recognised as extremely important to WA's economy, with our State having an excellent reputation as an exporter of high quality, clean and safe food and agricultural products."
Ms Sanderson commented on the rising global population and the need to feed the growing world population.
"With the global population set to reach 9.6 billion by 2050, it is essential that innovation, research and development continues to meet the forecast growth in food requirements and the changing requirements of the world market," she said.
"So to me, Muresk has a very important role to play in building workforce capacity, and is recognised as a major contributor towards the demand for skilled workers in the agriculture sector."
Ms Sanderson commended the Department of Training and Workforce Development and other stakeholders for the development of new workforce initiatives at Muresk.
"I wish Muresk, its partners and students, every success in their future endeavours," she said.
Muresk handed over cheques worth about $4500 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and beyondblue.
The money was raised from selling wool sheared from Muresk's flock of 200 Dohne ewes.
The ewes were donated to Muresk by the Dohne Breeders Association WA last year on condition the sale of the first wool clip was donated to good causes.
