School Farm & Country Fair

All the Fun of the Fair - Wednesday 23 April 2008

The School Farm & Country Fair is a one day educational event for Suffolk primary schools and is attended by over 3,500 children and teachers. The aim of the day is to enable pupils to connect with how their food is produced and to give them an understanding of farming and its relationship with the management of the countryside.

A unique feature of the day is that each school group is given their very own farmer steward to guide them through the various activities allowing the children direct contact with a member of the farming community. The concept of the Event was created by the Suffolk Agricultural Association in 2001 and other agricultural associations have followed suit to develop similar events around the Country.

The day includes demonstrations such as 'The Farming Year' featuring an impressive range of farm machinery in action, a farrier at work, a sheep dog display and gun dog races. In addition over 50 commercial and voluntary organisations provide interactive displays which demonstrate the great diversity of farming and countryside activities. Pupils are also invited to tour our conservation area and ancient woodland trail to see the practical application of conservation.

The School Farm & Country Fair provides a unique opportunity for the youngest of consumers to connect with how their food is produced and with the people who produce it.

Comments from the 2007 event which took place on Wednesday 27 April 2007:

"This is a landmark event, leading the way in the UK" says an exhibitor.

"Very valued - provided lots of discussion both at the time and back at school".

"Firstly, thank you very much for the transport grant. The children got such a lot out of the visit - it will support their work in school for quite some time".

"The children loved being able to handle the animals".

"The food tasting went down very well. Thank you for a great day, I will be only too pleased to help next year" says a steward.

"Good public relations / education initiative. Keep it going".

For further information contact Hannah Williams.