New Chairman of NFYFC calls for more farming education in schools

Lynsey Martin (L) wants to see more food and farming education in schools (Photo: NFYFC)
Lynsey Martin (L) wants to see more food and farming education in schools (Photo: NFYFC)

The new Chairman of leading rural youth organisation National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs wants to see more food and farming education in schools.

29-year-old Lynsey Martin, member of Ashford and District Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) in Kent, was elected by members at the Council meeting on 18 February in Coventry.

Ms Martin is a self-employed livestock worker and wants more young people to consider the career opportunities available to them in the agricultural sector.

The comments follow news of a North Yorkshire MP calling for a GCSE in Agriculture to help create more opportunities for young people.

During her year as Chairman of NFYFC, Lynsey Martin is working with LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming and FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) on a new initiative to educate young people about how and where their food is produced.

She also wants to open young people's eyes to the breadth of career opportunities available in the farming sector.

The project involves the development of a new training module about food and farming which will equip YFC members with the necessary skills and know-how to deliver informative and inspirational lessons around farming and food production.

'Informed food choices'

Working alongside LEAF-FACE Regional Education Consultants, the initiative will be rolled out in schools across England and Wales.

Lynsey Martin said the need for more food and farming education in schools is "vital" to help improve awareness about where produce comes from and how it reaches dinner tables.

“Learning about food and farming from a young age will ultimately help our future generations make informed food choices,” Ms Martin explained.

“It's also important for young people to be aware of the many career opportunities within the industry. I will be able to help promote these on an even wider scale and provide memorable learning experiences enabling young people to explore issues around food and farming and how it impacts on their everyday lives.”

She added: “You don't need to have grown up on a farm to have a passion for this exciting sector – thousands of new entrants are needed, for example, to help fulfil technology and research roles associated with agriculture.