Farming in the classroom.

Getting our message across
This has been such a very special year for Food and Farming, when all the farming industry has pulled together to get our message across, especially to the younger population, and WFU has done what it does best – going into schools to speak to children directly. Through our FIC programme we have increased our visits this year to 146 schools, of which the greater percentage were in urban areas and new schools requesting visits, making contact with over 10,000 children in the process.

A positive response from teachers
Our members in all branches have attended many shows and helped organise events for young people making the most of opportunities where we can communicate our knowledge of food, farming, countryside and environment. As mothers who understand young people, we can communicate the information in an engaging way and teachers have responded very positively to our input. These events up and down the country have celebrated the achievements of the farming community in providing healthy, tasty and value for money food, in spite of increasing costs. Many organisations have contributed money and expertise to make this a year to remember. Our members have been at the forefront, giving freely of their time, sharing their enthusiasm and passion.

First hand experience from a primary source
The age range of the children has widened this year more than in previous years, probably because our subject matter is specifically mentioned in a wider curriculum age span. We have spoken to many special needs schools, some of whose students were between 16 and 18 years old and looking at careers in farming or working with animals. In many cases they have an affinity with livestock and they and their teachers find our talks helpful in showing them the variety of jobs undertaken on farms and in the food industry. Teachers have stressed time and again on their evaluation forms, the invaluable experience children gain in receiving knowledge from: ‘real people’, ‘actual farmers’, ‘women farmers’ with ‘first hand experience’ and ‘from a primary source’.

Beyond the Farmgate
The number of speakers who undertook these school visits rose this year and more members across the country have expressed an interest in taking part. In May our members enjoyed a training day at HGCA offices to explain their new website and show us how to use and promote it to teachers and schools. The new FIC DVD ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’ funded by HGCA has been extremely well received. Many organisations have requested a copy and demand from farms open for children’s visits has been high. Our speakers have found it invaluable as a teaching tool for both primary and secondary pupils.

A blend of passion & knowlegde
We have much to be proud of in WFU with the dedication shown by our speakers and the fabulous response we have received from the schools and the continued generous support and assistance from the Home Grown Cereal Authority. Our industry needs the WFU’s personal, hands-on touch; by bringing our own blend of passion and knowledge into educational establishments, we enhance the work of the industry.

Maureen Friday.

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