School students are set to be inspired by British farming as a new initiative launches aiming to put a spotlight on careers in agriculture.
The two-week long focus will highlight potential careers in farming, food production and the natural environment.
Farming Fortnight, to run from June 3rd to 14th, will see hundreds of primary and secondary schools across the UK take part.
A wide range of national curriculum linked resources and materials have been developed for schools, including topic sheets, lesson plans, case studies and videos.
It will explore different farming sectors and support teachers in delivering inspiring lessons around food and farming.
Each day of the campaign has its own farming theme and accompanying social media hashtag – ranging from arable farming (#TractorTuesday), the sheep industry (#WoollyWednesday) through to fruit and vegetable production (#TastyTuesday) to careers in farming (#FutureFarming).
Schools and students will be encouraged to share their learning experiences on social media.
Developed by LEAF Education in partnership with Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Kent, the aim is to enable children to leave school with experience and understanding of food and farming.
LEAF Education Director, Carl Edwards said: “Farming Fortnight has been developed following our extensive research programme involving 1,200 12 to 18-year olds which we carried out last year.
“Over 35% of the young people involved said they would like to find out more about where their food comes from and 32% expressed an interest in a career in the agriculture sector.
“If we are to see improvements in children's health, wellbeing and preparedness for adult life, and long-term solutions to global challenges of sustainability and food security, then education has to be at the centre.”
