The NFU was in charge of the vegetable zone, where the Key stage 2 children were able to have a go at planting potatoes, guess the vegetable, get up close to a tractor, make a smoothie, see what it’s like to pick vegetables and try potato printing.
The stand was co-ordinated by Devon county adviser Fiona Rew with help from local farmers and growers. School meal suppliers Fresha and wholesalers Frank H Mann also lent a hand.
A fantastic opportunity
Devon farmer Cathy Case said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to raise children’s knowledge and get them engaged. It’s very full on and there’s an awful lot of questions.
“Some children know all sorts about farming, some are coming with really little knowledge and don’t want to get their hands dirty, so the opportunity to talk to them all and give them that knowledge and information about farming is really great.”
“We are here to educate, inspire and to help them to understand in a really hands-on way.”
Farmwise chair Deborah Custance Baker
Farming and food provenance
There were also poultry, livestock and fruit sections and other exhibits included delivering a lamb – using a sheep simulator, a cuddly toy and copious amounts of gloop – and the brand new Farmwise mobile education unit was also unveiled.
From the end of this month it will be taken on the road to schools across the county to provide even more children with the opportunity to learn about farming and food provenance.
It was the eleventh time the annual event has been held.
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Educate, inspire and help
Deborah Custance Baker, Chair of Farmwise Devon, said: “Sadly a lot of children don’t fully understand where their food comes from, or the work that goes into producing an egg, or a pint of milk, so that’s what we are here for, to educate, inspire and to help them to understand in a really hands-on way.
“The children can touch and smell all aspects of farming from huge combines to little ants, with expert volunteers on hand to explain the processes.
“The children have always got wide smiles on their faces as they get stuck into the activities, which means they’re not just learning about farming and rural life, they’re genuinely enjoying the experience, too, which they will take back to the classroom and home with them, and it encourages discussion and learning.”