The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has highlighted the importance of expanding the availability of GCSE Agriculture across schools to Minister for Education Paul Givan.

The discussion took place at Bessvale Farm in Co. Antrim on June 12, during the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend (BOIOFW) schools’ day. 

According to the UFU, it stressed to the minister that greater uptake of the GCSE Agriculture would help address future workforce needs within the agri-food industry.

This would also provide students with practical skills and access to a wide range of career opportunities available within the sector.

The schools' day saw more than 1,500 pupils from 48 schools across Northern Ireland take part, according to the union.

UFU deputy president John McLenaghan stated: “Many children are increasingly disconnected with where their food comes from.

"Initiatives such as BOIOFW dedicated schools’ day play a vital role in bridging that gap."

He thanked farm hosts Jonny and Bobby Tuft for opening the gates of their farm for the event, adding that such visits help students "develop a greater appreciation of the work that goes into producing the food they eat every day".

“By exploring a real working farm and through engaging with farm hosts, watching live demonstrations and seeing farming in action first-hand, pupils gain a better understanding of the ‘farm-to-fork’ journey," McLenaghan added.

Priorities

According to the UFU, Minister Given and McLenaghan discussed a number of the farming union's agri-education priorities, including:

The continued development and expansion of agri-education resources for primary school pupils, helping to raise awareness of agriculture and food production from an early age;
GCSE Agriculture, and recognising its value in providing students with a strong foundation of practical knowledge, technical skills, and an understanding of the wider agri-food industry;
Strengthening pathways for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) into the agricultural sector;
a curriculum review.

McLenaghan said he was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss "a number of important agri-education issues" with the minister.

“By providing the right resources and educational opportunities at every stage, we can draw young people into pursuing rewarding careers within the agri-food sector," the UFU deputy president said.

The UFU also briefed the minister on a range of its ongoing initiatives, including: the Open Farm Weekend schools’ competition and schools’ day; Twinkl NI educational partnership; the post-primary agri-schools’ competition; career networking events; in-school agriculture talks, educational videos for primary pupils; and a suite of supporting UFU learning resources.

The UFU said that it will continue engaging with the Department of Education to collaborate on further embedding agri-education into all levels of the curriculum.

Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend

Minister Givan said: "Visiting Bessvale Farm and meeting with UFU representatives was a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand about the brilliant work being done bringing agriculture into our classrooms and enhancing agricultural literacy."

The minister added that the UFU and Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend continues to bridge the gap between farming and education.

"Events like these are invaluable in helping young people understand the farm-to-fork journey and develop a real appreciation for where their food comes from.

"I look forward to seeing this partnership go from strength to strength," the minister said.

Joe McDonald, head of corporate affairs at Asda NI, said: “The Asda team is delighted to sponsor this year’s BOIOFW ‘Know it, Grow it, Eat it’ schools’ competition.

"Seeing the winners visit a working farm after their success in the competition was a rewarding full-circle moment.”