His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will act as patron to the industry-led initiative proposed by Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Education, the Department of Health, the Royal Agricultural Society for England (RASE) and a number of other organisations in the food and farming industries.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative David Milliband Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: 'As consumers we have a great deal of power when it comes to buying food.
As well as influencing our health, the choices we make really do make a difference to our countryside, the environment, and to tackling the biggest challenge we all face: climate change.
Consumers need to make informed choices, and where better to start than in educating the next generation.'
Starting In September 2007 the Year of Food and Farming hopes to involve all schools, and is aimed at helping young people learn more about how food is grown and produced, how it reaches the consumer, and how to prepare or cook it.
It will also demonstrate what the countryside can offer in terms of leisure sports. This approach also supports the learning outside of the Classroom Manifesto which states that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.
Objectives of the Year of Food and Farming
- to improve the understanding of young people, their parents and teachers, of the food chain and the role played by farming. (Following the story from 'field to fork').
- to increase links between schools, farmers and food producers (and maintain them well beyond the Year).
- to raise awareness of the contribution food can make to a healthy lifestyle, and within this increase the understanding amongst young people of what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet. (By exploring the importance of food and being able to make informed decisions about food and healthy nutrition).
- to raise awareness of the career opportunities in the food and farming industries.
- to increase understanding of the importance of the countryside and environmental issues related to food and farming. (Watch what happens on a real-life farm and experience what the countryside can offer).
Each Government Office Region has been tasked to make the ‘Year’ happen. The delivery of this initiative In the South East will be overseen by a Year of Food and Farming steering group chaired by Martin Lowry FRICS FAAV and administered by Laura Gigg at the Government Office for the South East.
If you or someone you know is a teacher, or you are involved with your local school, if you have children at school, are an organiser of a youth group a grower or producer, etc, and you would like to take part in the Year of Food and Farming, please visit and register your interest at the year of farming website or contact Laura Gigg on 01483-884841
