A new teaching resource all about UK farming has been launched by the Women's Food and Farming Union and HGCA as part of the Year of Food & Farming initiative.
The DVD 'Beyond the farmgate – the farmer and you' is suitable for all age groups but specifically fits the curriculum for Key Stage 2 and 3. It is an update to the hugely popular 'Through the farmgate' video WFU has used in schools since 1996.
Kent farmer Maureen Friday, who co-ordinates WFU's Farming in the Classroom education programme, says: "Many changes have taken place in farming over the past decade. WFU wanted to present a fair and balanced account of farming in the 21st century to a generation that has become far removed from the realities of food production."
Rebecca Geraghty, HGCA says: "HGCA is keen to support initiatives that help the next generation understand the vital role that farming plays in their everyday lives. The DVD provides an entertaining introduction to farming that children can enjoy in the classroom."
The DVD shows the work carried out on farms throughout the year to supply healthy food to the public and how farmers look after their animals, the countryside and the environment.
WFU Farming in the Classroom speakers leave the DVD with the school allowing them to view it in their own time. WFU speakers can then go back to answer any questions the children may have on food and farming.
Schoolchildren are taken through the whole food chain – from preparing the ground, planting and harvesting crops, and looking after livestock, through to supplying the supermarkets. The 20 minute long DVD is TV and PC compatible with links to individual sections, enabling users to choose relevant topics and making it easier for younger children to enjoy.
