1,800 primary pupils across Scotland to take part in 'food and farming' education days

1,800 primary six pupils across Scotland are to take part in specially created 'food and farming' education days this year thanks to an expanded grant scheme.

It is the latest phase of the Scottish Government's action to teach the country's children about where their food comes from, and to make a pledge that within five years, all pupils will get the opportunity to learn about food and agriculture.

Educating children about the importance of our food chain is one of the key areas highlighted in the Scottish Government's national food and drink policy Recipe for Success which recognises that some young people do not understand how their food is produced, how it is cooked, and how the choices they make about food affect their health and impact on the environment.

This year, funding will be provided to the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and Eco-schools to allow 1,800 primary six pupils to take part in food and farming days, for 12 schools to host Farmers' Markets events and for a range of Eco-schools activities to be delivered around the theme of 'food and environment'.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The £85,000 package I am announcing will provide more funding to RHET to expand their work with schools, including the delivery of 12 farmers' market events, and will help Eco-schools to support schools embed the valuable learning opportunities they are promoting on food and the environment.

"This is very positive progress, but there's still a long way to go. I want to make sure that no child in any Scottish school misses out on food and countryside education. That's why I am also making a commitment to provide every child in Scotland with the opportunity to learn about food and agriculture by 2015."

Further information:
Scottish Government