Farm My Food Day Returns
Following the success of Hampshire’s first ‘Farm My Food Day’ last year, a second event was held this year, organised by LEAF working in partnership with Hampshire Fare and Wheatsheaf Farming.
Roz Chadd, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 and Corporate Services, Hampshire County Council, welcomed everyone: “It’s a beautiful day to spend time on a working farm, finding out where the food we eat comes from, how it is made and just how crucial sustainable farming and agriculture are to the health and prosperity of the nation. Today you’ll get a taster (no pun intended) of the huge variety of career pathways in the agriculture and food and drink industries, from business development and food preparation to environmental management and animal welfare. This is an opportunity to ask the fantastic people running today’s workshops lots of questions!”
Jo Hatton, South East Regional Education Consultant, LEAF, said: “We are really excited that Farm My Food’s first year was so popular that we have had the opportunity to run it again. The feedback from teachers was really positive. They were grateful that so many local businesses had given up their time to give students a unique insight into the variety of opportunities within the farming and food and drink sectors. You can’t replicate this in the classroom in any other way that could get children so engaged and involved. It really opens their eyes.”
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, added: “I didn’t think we could improve on the first year, but I can honestly say this year was even better with more producers and more content! Learning doesn’t get better than this. It’s a fantastic way to get students interested and inspired!”
Farm My Food day was attended by 160 GCSE students from four local schools. It was a lively experience with food producers from across the county, food preparation and nutrition workshops, a farm tour and a business hub with a broad range of companies. Topics covered finance, sustainability and technology with business objectives presented in the form of games and challenges which captured the students’ attention and imagination.
Chef Paul Dickinson held an interactive demonstration. He compared the mindset of chefs with that of sports people, and described his own experiences in a career which has seen him working for TV chefs and travelling the world, from America to Barcelona. He also promised some of the teachers that he would come and cook in their schools. Paul explained: “Food is rewarding. I’ve taught thousands of chefs; if you can work well with people you can do it!”
Lis Hall, Business Studies Leader, The Costello School, enthused: “The students are talking more to people they don’t know than I have seen them do before. Speaking and building relationships is key; they are engaged! This is real. You get a feel for the producers’ passions, struggles and successes.. And obviously the students have loved tasting the samples.”
James O’Leary, Business Studies teacher, The Costello School, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local schools. Learning about the process from farm to fork is invaluable for GCSE students. You can see how useful they are finding it – which is lovely to see.”
Layla, a student at John Hanson Community School, said: “I’ve enjoyed tyring the different foods and learning about produce and business. You can see how much effort goes into making local produce.”
Oscar, a student at Bishop Challoner Catholic School, said: “I really valued the chef experience as that is what I want to do, and the chef gave me ideas for the future. I also enjoyed the food tasting which was amazing!”
This event was free for the schools to attend including the coach travel, which was really appreciated by the teachers. The event was organised by LEAF, Hampshire Fare and hosts Wheatsheaf Farming with support from local businesses including Southern Co-op and NFU Mutual New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth.
Gemma Lacey, Director Sustainability & Communications, Southern Co-op, commented: "As a sponsor, Southern Co-op recognises the importance of education and the role it plays in shaping the future of our community. We are proud to be part of an initiative that fosters knowledge, inspires young minds, and promotes local producers. Together, we can nurture a generation that values the significance of sustainable food practices and appreciates the contributions of our farmers."
Images with thanks to The Electric Eye Photography.
View The 2023 Video now about the day! https://youtu.be/rzFfNHUD-NQ
Sean Thurgood from Hogget and Boar Butchery persuading students to prepare burgers
