Why farming matters at Kent Show

A polytunnel packed with Kentish strawberries, a bicycle smoothie-maker, a bakery and friendly farm animals are just some of the attractions at Kent Show (July 11/13) this year.

They can all be found within the Why Farming Matters zone which is celebrating the Year of Food and Farming by helping young people grasp the origins of their food. The area is located next to the Stanley Cornwallis building, the base for livestock exhibitors during the three day show at Detling near Maidstone.

NFU chairman Kevin Attwood, from Doddington, near Sittingbourne, said: "We hope the Why Farming Matters zone will help consumers reconnect with the origins of their food while recognising the importance of farming to the Garden of England."

Among the spectacles in the zone are farm machinery, growing crops and a model dairy cow for children to milk. A daily highlight will be a mock auction of Romney sheep, supported by auctioneers Hobbs Parker and Lambert and Foster. The exhibit is sponsored by the development agency SEEDA and supported by partners including the NFU, CLA, Hadlow College, Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty and the county's campaign for local food, Produced In Kent.