The theme encourages children to think about where food comes from and the importance of reducing food miles, a key theme running throughout the Year of Food and Farming.

The Year of Food and Farming links activities in the area with the aim of increasing sustainability and accessibility for all in the future.

The Year of Food and Farming was launched in September 2007 and aims to encourage, facilitate and promote activities to support the following aspirations:

• Primary pupils to undertake a growing activity
• Primary pupils to visit a farm or other countryside location
• Primary pupils to have the opportunity to prepare at least one plate of food
•  Secondary pupils to take part in a countryside activity
•  Secondary pupils to have the opportunity to undertake work related activities
•  Students and teachers to be aware of curriculum opportunities offered through experience of food, farming and the countryside.
• Schools to have the opportunity to access fresh seasonal produce from small and local producers.
• Schools to promote healthy living through the experience of food and farming and the countryside.

The Year is being launched regionally and EXPO is the Northampton County Launch in the East Midlands where throughout the Year the focus will be on:

• Cooking activities
• Growing activities
• Visits to farms and outdoor centres
• Use and development of interactive education resources
• Communications and Event management

These areas were linked for a Finding Low Carbon Solutions competition open to all schools in the East Midlands. Prizes for the winning entries will be presented at EXPO 2007 by the Mayor of Corby and the Chairperson of the East Northamtptonshire Council.

To find out more and register your interest visit the website www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk

or

contact our regional coordinator Sally Scantlebury on sally@feastnet.net or call 07958 671 380.