In Oz, plants make yoghurt

Most Australian children in their last year of primary school think cotton socks come from animals while one-quarter believe yoghurt is from plants, a study found yesterday.

The Australian Council for Educational Research survey of almost 1000 students in Grades 6 and 10 found widespread misconceptions about food processing and farming.

Twenty-percent of the younger age group - aged between 10 and 12 - thought pasta came from animals and scrambled eggs from plants.

Some 75% said cotton socks were an animal product and 27% believed yoghurt was derived from plants.

The Primary Industries Education Foundation said the findings were of concern as Australia prepared to confront food security and climate change challenges.