cumbria organics

Organic Farmers working with Schools
More people are taking an interest in the provenance of their food, and the effects their food choices make on their health, the environment and animal welfare. Many are wondering what the ‘organic’ label means. We are helping schools and families to explore this and to equip them with knowledge to make informed choices about the food they eat.
If teachers are interested in helping children in their care to learn more about organic farming and food, we can help. We can :
	supply written information and a video [primary school level] to use. arrange for a local organic farmer to go into school/college and talk to the children/young people about his, or her, system of farming. help to organise a school visit to his, or her, working organic farm to gain knowledge at first hand. Showing is far more effective than telling.
A good deal of planning is required before a school visit, and it’s vital that the guidelines are strictly adhered to. There are several organisations that can help. Among these are:
	Farms for Schools [FfS], www.farmsforschools.org.uk Farming and Countryside Education Initiative [FACE] www.face-online.org.uk Elm Farm Research Centre. www.efrc.com The Soil Association www.soilassociation.org/education Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre Growing Well
The Soil Association has an Education Officer (0117 9142440) who can offer support to organic farmers who are working with their local schools by providing information, resources, advice and special training days. Cumbria Organics can build on this support by ensuring that relevant, local information is made available. If your school is interested in a food education workshop which fits with the National Curriculum and Ofsted requirements contact us about Cumbria Food for Life Please contact e-mail info@cumbriaorganics.org