Year of Food and Farming in Education
September 2007 - July 2008
The Year of Food and Farming in Education ("The Year") is an industry-led initiative aimed at helping children and young people learn more about how food is grown and produced and how it reaches the consumer. It will also:-
- Reconnect chldren with food and the countryside
- Promote healthy living through a campaign based on direct experience of food, farming and the countryside
- Create memorable, first-hand learning experiences that chldren will always remember
This is an industry-led initiative first proposed by the charity Farming & Countryside Education (FACE) and supported by Defra, the Department for Education and Skills, and the Department of Health, the Royal Agricultural Society for England, and many other organisations in the food and farming industries. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is Patron for the Year and formally launched the Year on 12th September 2007 at Highgrove House.
In the South West region, the Year is being overseen by the Sustainable Farming and Food Board, chaired by John Lee. The Board comprises of representatives from NFU, CLA, Natural England, Private Industry, SW Regional Development Agency and Government Office for the South West. Co-ordination of "The Year" is by the South West Chamber of Rural Enterprise, with support from all its member organsiations.
If you would like to register your interest in the Year, please send an email to: yoffsw@swcore.co.uk or phone Sophie Cooper on 01392 878335 for more information.
When is the Year and what will happen?
Year of Food and Farming* Stakeholders Information Sharing Meeting
When is 'The Year' and what will happen?
"The Year" runs in line with the academic year from September 2007 to July 2008. A series of national, regional and local events and learning resources, will be supplemented by a wide range of other activities for children to participate in. The initiative will also help create strong and lasting links between schools and food and farming businesses, and provide educational material that will be used by schools beyond the year itself.
'
The Year' sets out clear aspirations, which are different for primary and secondary, but which also encompass special schools:-
Primary:
- Every pupil will undertake a growing activity (e.g British Potato Council’s ‘Grow Your Own Potatoes’ (The BPC will provide a £5 voucher for the purchaseof a bucket and compost/soil for interested parties)
- Every pupil will have first hand experience of food being grown (farm visits).
- Every pupil will have the opportunity to prepare atleast one food plate (this may not be to cook a meal, as cooking facilities are not available at all schools, but pupils will prepare their own dish).
Secondary:
- Every pupil will take part in a countryside activity (e.g active engagement on a farm visit)
- Every pupil will have the opportunity to undertake work-related activities (to introduce them to career possibilities within the sector)
From a broader perspective, aspirations are that every student and practising teacher will be aware of the curriculum opportunities offered through experience of food, farming and the countryside. Every school will provide opportunities for small and local producers to supply them with fresh, seasonal produce and promote healthy living through experience of food, farming and the countryside.
A dedicated Year of Food and Farming website www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk can be accessed. Schools, Farms and Organisations that wish to take part are encouraged to register, or pledge their support. These contributions may span locations for visits, professional development opportunities, speakers and facilitators or new resources. The website hosts education materials and will be developed to include case studies of regional activity which is contributing to making the Year a success.
Year of Food and Farming* Stakeholders Information Sharing Meeting
An informal regional stakeholder’s event on the 19th February 2007 included Bill Graham and Paul Hillard of FACE, who informed organisations of what 'the Year" would entail and invited pledges to be submitted. Feedback from the event highlighted the enthusiasm of the region to get involved in "the Year" and work collaboratively to ensure a real and fruitful legacy that will remain past the initial twelve months.
Presentation - John Lee (423kb)
Presentation - Bill Graham (429kb)
Vision handout (585kb)
There exists a fantastic opportunity for organisations both public and private sector to get involved with the Year of Food and Farming. The Year will provide a high-profile platform from which leading organisations interested in the production, manufacture and retail of food can help educate chldren, inform the debate and present their responsible role within the marketplace.
For further information on sponsorship opportunites please download PDF Sponsorship Pack
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Last updated 02Apr08