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A gem of an idea - Open Farm Sunday
2002 Nuffield Scholar - IAN PIGOTT - studied ‘The inclusion of agriculture in the school curriculum'
In 2002, Ian Pigott set out on his Nuffield Farming Scholarship to see how three countries - Denmark, the USA and Canada - embraced agriculture within their respective school curriculum. He returned full of enthusiasm and a determination to use agricultural education as a pivotal tool in the teaching of both nutritional and environmental subjects. One of his key recommendations on his return was to encourage and assist farmers to open their farms to the public and establish a flagship national and co-ordinated event as an important medium to teach children about farming.His ambition was first realised in 2006 with the launch of 'Open Farm Sunday', supported and promoted by LEAF.
"Educating children about farming and food production will help demonstrate the enormous contribution that agriculture makes to everyday life.
"With far better knowledge, tomorrow's adults will develop a greater level of understanding and support for the farming industry."
"With Ian Pigott's guidance and national vision, LEAF took a Copenhagen farmer education initiative on board and decided to give it a go in 2006. In the first year we were able to encourage 300 farmers to take part, with more than 30,000 people visiting farms on one day. Last year, we had more than 400 farms opening their gates, with an impressive foot-fall of 150,000 public visits."
Caroline Drummond, LEAF
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