Farm to fork theme for pupils’ information day

More than 230 young people from local schools took part in an informal information day in Forfar’s Reid Hall to find out where their food comes from.

The mostly Primary 6 pupils attended the Farm to Fork event organised by RHET Angus Countryside Initiative (ACI) to hear from farmers and others within the farming industry, about their work and what they produce.

Children learned about what goes into producing the crops they eat.

placeholder image — Children learned about what goes into producing the crops they eat.

Volunteers connected to the agricultural industry spoke about fruit production, food miles, dairying, sheep and cattle as well as tractors and machinery and how GPS and other technologies are used within the industry.

The young people moved around six different sets, learning about fruit and vegetables and the miles travelled by these foods to reach their plates. They also had to identify different vegetables.

The day covered different aspects of farming, including raising livestock.

A state-of-the-art tractor at the event emphasised how much farmers rely on modern technology to augment their own knowledge of the land and its capabilities.

It also gave the children the chance to discuss possible careers within agricultural engineering.

Pupils made butter and heard how cows produce milk while a sheep farmer spoke about wool production for clothing, carpets and insulation of homes as well as meat.

The cereals set emphasised that soil is farming’s most important asset, how crops are grown and rotated round fields as well as what products are made from wheat, barley and oats, which can be bought in the shops.

Pupils had the chance to get hands-on with some of the equipment.

With a greater interest in food and its production, the pupils gained valuable insight into the nutritional benefits of eating locally sourced, fresh food.

Established in 1999, RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust) provides free educational activities and learning opportunities that align with the Curriculum for Excellence and RHET ACI is a specifi Angus farmer-run charity which works with schools and youth groups in Angus and Dundee.

RHET nationally receives funding from Scottish Government to allow all 13 of its Countryside Initiatives throughout Scotland - all of which are charities - to put on such events and schools are keen to take up these opportunities which help support curriculum learning.

Maths, geography, the sciences, health and well-being are just some of the subjects which can be supported on such days.