What would you do for farming if you were government?
This was one of the questions I was asked when being interviewed the other day. A ribbon of quicksilver thoughts free-fell through my brain – global economies, EU legislation, free-trade, climate change, energy, air-miles? Where would I make a change, what would have an effect? I was about to open my mouth with something along the lines that the topic was far too involved and deserved discussion in its own right, when I heard myself say – Education. Simplest, cheapest and most effective. Educate all our children from an early age about food, farming, countryside and the environment, locally, nationally and internationally. Integrated fully into the curricula of subjects already taught, future generations would come to understand the value of quality food (so they are prepared to pay the extra to buy it and farmers can earn a decent crust), and about the way food and the environment and our cultural heritage are inseparable. So, the current Year of Food and Farming is on entirely the right lines, but it needs to be continued, become mainstream. Ultimately, farming depends upon all of us as consumers, and this is where government should show real leadership, not through passing yet more laws but through helping us to make informed choices.
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February 24, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Bryson Nitta
The simplest solutions always seem best, don’t they?
My mom says the same thing about all kinds of problems: education is the key. And I guess, having been indoctrinated in that way of thought since I was born, I have to agree.
I guess I’m curious, since you’re definitely well-versed in the issue: what exactly would a farm-class curriculum look like?
February 24, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Steve Rosenbaum
Here’s an interesting analogy about education. Education is really like farming. The beliefs and opinions that students hold are often like the weeds in the field if you don’t deal with them first nothing will grow. You have to plow the field before you plant new seeds.
February 25, 2008 at 1:15 pm
paula
It’s good to have new visitors, Bryson, thanks for posting. I’ve had a quick look at your site and the debate raging about bottled water. Interesting, very - I too have a problem with bottled water and consumerism.
Back to farming education. There is already geography, history, physics, social economics, diet and fitness, environmental studies, cookery (though I think it’s given a different name) - every one of these subjects can immediately integrate into their curriculum the huge importance and impact that food and farming has on a planet in crisis. In this way one would hopefully engage and stimulate the interest of both science and arts based students
Practically, though, I feel that getting children at a young age, out of the class room and to experience, in real time, different farming systems and practises, farmers markets v supermarkets, food producers both large and small, would be the ideal as a ‘hands-on’ experience always sticks in the mind longer. The Year of Food and Farming has shown that farmers and food producers are more than willing to participate in schemes such as this. Though now, with modern technology, the ability to bring the countryside, food and farming into the classroom as an interactive medium is possible and a good alternative.
I’ve only scratched the surface with my ideas!
February 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm
paula
And you too Steve, very good to have you and your comment here, thank you.
An interesting analogy for sure. But I’m not certain that I would treat all students’ opinions as weeds and plough them out. Some of those very beliefs hold the germ of the greatest ideas to come and need to be nurtured and cultivated so they can grow and mature. But yes, I certainly believe you have to look after and encourage a living, energised ’soil’ before planting seeds you hope will grow to fruition.
February 25, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Steve Rosenbaum
Here’s how I would actually build this into education. Let’s say the subject is Farming. I might start by asking the question, “what do you believe is true about farming?”
We know all adults have an opinion about everything.
What you’ll get is a range of ideas and views both correct, incorrect and even odd. Now you know where you’re starting from and you can adapt your lesson to the student.
February 25, 2008 at 6:27 pm
paula
Steve, yes, I really like that. It’s simple, direct, engaging the student and, as you point out, you have a bench mark from which to begin.
I’ll have a good read of your posts to learn more.
Thanks for the interest.
February 25, 2008 at 8:51 pm
heidi
Education changes everything, it opens doors, elevates people, and can make this world a much better place.
When I was living in Berkeley California they started an organic garden for the junior high school students. They grew their own food, learned how to care for the land in a sustainable way.
Being urban kids many of the students had never seen a cow, been in nature of even knew where food came from.
Then they had their minds opened, and knowledge poured in.
How can anyone respect and care to preserve something they do not know anything about?
Here is the link=
http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/homepage.html
February 25, 2008 at 9:29 pm
elizabethm
I am astonished at how little children know about food, and then realise that their parents know very little so how should they be different? I feel very strongly that we have lost any understanding of how food is produced and have become focussed purely on cost, to the detriment of our health, animal welfare and the proper reward for farmers.
February 26, 2008 at 10:11 am
paula
A fantastic project Heidi. I’ve only had a quick look at the link but it’s inspiring.
Many years ago I was asked to run a similar venture at Olly’s primary school and found, as they have, you can involve every aspect of the curriculum - different cultures, language, history, sciences, arts and in the slightly less formal and ‘hands-on’ atmosphere students enthusiastically question, inquire and learn . It was stopped due to lack of funds, SATs and a whole raft of new regulations.
I sometimes bump into those ex-students (Olly’s peer group), now in their mid 20s and surprisingly they still reminisce and recount certain lessons. They haven’t forgotten!
February 26, 2008 at 10:19 am
paula
I agree with you Elizabeth; unfortunately adults take much longer to adjust to different ways of thinking, buying and cooking (?) and, as you said, appear to be driven solely by price.
But I think some of the recent campaigns on telly by celebrity chefs are beginning to hit home. I certainly hope so!
February 26, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Mopsa
I’d have every school, primary, secondary and special, looking after a veg garden and hens or ducks. Reproduction, food production, animal welfare, personal responsibility, biology, chemistry, domestic science, woodworking …the possibilities are endless.
February 26, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Bryson Nitta
So, actually, something really kind of funny happened.
After I read your article, I went to this panel at my university about racism (my friend had invited me). Anyway, it was specifically about racism in schools, and this guy was talking about how we should have multiracial cirricula in schools.
It’s funny…education really is the key, isn’t it? The whole time I couldn’t help but think about your blog over and over again. This is such a great idea!
February 27, 2008 at 9:19 pm
paula
Absolutely mopsa.
February 27, 2008 at 9:28 pm
paula
Yup - I think it really could be.
It’s also strange when something strikes a chord and suddenly, out of the blue, all these other apparently non-related experiences begin to act as a catalyst and crystallise that original thought.
Run with it Bryson!
February 29, 2008 at 8:04 am
Jane
I totally, one hundred percent agree! I bang on about this all the time, I’m so glad other people feel the same. I’m just starting a project in my village trying to get people involved in watching and recording nature (more about this in my blog soon) and the first people I contacted were the local schools. Kids are the key to the future. It sounds corny but I really believe it’s true. Through kids we can even educate their parents! Thanks for this Paula. Jane
February 29, 2008 at 2:26 pm
paula
I’m glad you feel the same and good luck with your local project and for doing something. We may all feel it’s the way forward but how many of us will do anything?
You’re right it is a way to possibly get through to the parents too.