LEAF Education has unveiled its first-ever challenge aimed at primary educational establishments throughout England, dubbed "All for Farm and Food for All."
This ground-breaking initiative has received an enthusiastic welcome from schools and aims to transform the way young minds view agriculture and its role in food production. Unique to the UK, the challenge provides teachers with curriculum-aligned resources and pedagogical support, empowering them to offer enriching educational experiences that shed light on the importance of farming.
Endorsed by EIT Food, the challenge is tailored for Year 5 and Year 6 classes during the 2023-2024 academic cycle. Schools entering the challenge will be equipped with a comprehensive guide and an activity kit, featuring an exclusive set of six resources that address food-related solutions to the climate emergency. These materials are a prerequisite for classes to move forward in the challenge.
The initiative offers an unmatched chance for schools to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between food production and environmental sustainability. Regional winners will earn a hands-on learning session at a farm, and the ultimate victor will be awarded a full-day farm excursion for up to 200 pupils, teaching staff, and parents.
This challenge complements LEAF Education's ongoing annual contest for secondary schools across England and Wales. Interestingly, over one-third of the finalists from this secondary school competition have opted for land-based further education.
Carl Edwards, LEAF's Director of Education and Public Engagement, commented, "Educating the next generation about the origins of their food and its environmental ramifications is pivotal for a sustainable future. Our novel challenge, bolstered by EIT Food, will enhance our outreach and offer numerous touchpoints to enlighten young individuals about the expansive opportunities within our sector."
By aiming to alter the way young people perceive agriculture and food production, this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the future of food production, potentially inspiring a new generation of environmentally-conscious farmers and food producers.
For additional information, you can consult LEAF's official competition webpage.