Life lesson on food and farming at first Scottish conference

More than 180 primary and secondary teachers were given food for thought at Scotland’s first conference to enhance teacher knowledge about farming, cooking and nutrition.

The Food – a fact of life event presented messages on food security, nutrition, cooking and provenance for teachers to take back to the classroom and connect children with how the food on their plates is produced.

Hosted by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), it highlighted the wide range of curriculum-linked resources hosted on the Food – a fact of life website, a one-stop-shop for education about food and farming.

Primary School Teacher Helen Deny said: “I now know where to go for authoritative and unbiased information on food and farming. The conference has also been a great way of meeting other Scottish teachers from early years through to secondary, so we can share ideas and network without needing to travel far.”

The site is packed with free resources and is compliant with curricula for nurseries and schools across the UK. It also hosts new guidelines, which enable teachers to check and gain confidence in materials they are sharing in the classroom.

The work represents the latest phase of a three-year partnership between AHDB and BNF to empower young people to make informed choices about what they eat.

Roz Reynolds, AHDB Head of Education and Nutrition, said: “Scottish farmers and growers produce some of Britain’s most treasured produce. Engaging with its teachers will help educate the next generation and sow the seeds to develop the country’s food and farming experts of the future.”

Guidance on cooking for life was also shared by Scotland’s National Chef, Gary MacLean. And AHDB’s Head of Strategic Insight, David Swales spoke on food security, provenance and quality in the UK.

Schools which would like to help children understand the food growing cycle can now register for Grow Your Own Potatoes 2020, which is supported by Scottish seed producers.

Teachers and farmers interested in AHDB’s educational activity can get in touch by email using: education@ahdb.org.uk or visit ahdb.org.uk/education to find out more.

Educational resources and training information is available at foodafactoflife.org.uk.