3,000 Essex children to discover the journey of food
Anglia Ruskin University Writtle hosts the Essex Schools Food and Farming Day
Around 3,000 pupils from 72 primary schools across Essex are expected at Anglia Ruskin University Writtle on Tuesday, 25 June for the annual Essex Schools Food & Farming Day.
Organised by the Essex Agricultural Society, the event offers a hands-on, interactive experience designed to teach children how food travels from the farm to their plates.
Jimmy Doherty, farmer, television presenter and Visiting Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) will be the VIP guest on the day, alongside more than 150 farmer volunteers.
Activities and demonstrations will take place around six themed zones:
- livestock
- machinery
- food
- crops
- countryside and environment
- Rural Safety
- Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Children will have the opportunity to meet farm animals, watch tractors and combine harvesters in action, learn about robotic fruit picking, and sample locally grown produce.
There will be also be a scarecrow competition themed around farming in the future.
Schools are expected to contribute scarecrows dressed up as a STEM-based career or what children think a farmer will look like in years to come.
The day aims to inspire curiosity about food production, sustainability, and healthy eating, while also highlighting potential careers in agriculture and environmental science.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “We’re proud to be working with the Essex Agricultural Society on what promises to be a fascinating and educational day.”
Event Chairman Annabelle Rout, of Essex Agricultural Society, said: “The showground will be filled with exhibitors in our six zones, plus over 150 farmer volunteers. We can't wait to see 3,000 children – and dozens of scarecrows – at the Essex Schools Food & Farming Day.”