3,000 children join Essex Schools Food and Farming Day

The activity-packed event was organised by the Essex Agricultural Society and took place at Writtle University College near Chelmsford.Students enjoyed the sunshine while learning how food travels from farm-to-fork.

Event chairman Annabelle Rout said; “We were delighted to welcome school children back to the showground in Writtle for our first live Essex Schools Food and Farming Day since 2019.

“The showground was filled with exhibitors in our five zones, livestock, machinery, food, crops and countryside and environment. It was fantastic to experience the buzz of 3,000 school children learning about the importance of food and farming in Essex.”

Hands-on activities and demonstrations took place throughout the day. Children met sheep, goats and other livestock, tasted local produce and were introduced to tractors and combine harvesters.

Schools also put their own work on display as part of the popular annual scarecrow competition. Jotmans Hall Primary School scooped up first place for their imaginative, colourful design with Tollesbury School and Shorefields School receiving second and third place.

The fun-packed schedule brought children out of the classroom and introduced the role played by farmers in Essex. More than thirty exhibitors worked to raise awareness of the countryside, environmental issues and healthy eating.

Writtle University College’s vice-chancellor, Professor Tim Middleton, said: “We were delighted to welcome primary schools from across Essex along with Essex Agricultural Society members and industry supporters back to our campus for the 15^th Essex Schools Food and Farming Day. This inspirational event is key to helping pupils increase their understanding of food, farming and the environment, and shows just how fulling careers in these sectors can be.”