FIFTEEN hundred primary school children enjoyed an interactive experience learning about farming and food production at the annual ‘Farm & Country Days’ event held within the Exhibition Halls at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge.

The primary schools in the Post area that took part included: Boscastle, Coads Green, South Petherwin, Tintagel and St Mark’s in Morwenstow.

The successful event, which is in its seventh year, is jointly organised by the Cornwall Food & Farming Group (CFFG) and the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA).

The pupils in attendance, aged between seven and nine, were drawn from 32 schools from across Cornwall.

Among those to attend was South Petherwin Community Primary School.

Speaking about the event, Class 3 teacher Jade Palmer said: “All the children had a fantastic time, they were fully engaged throughout the day. The selection and variety of activities was amazing, every single activity was exciting and fun for the children which meant they were engaged and learnt lots.

“We are looking forward to continuing our learning within the classroom and do some follow up work on what we have learnt.” 

More than 200 farmers, food producers and representatives from businesses and organisations related to agriculture and food production created exhibits to bring the journey food takes from field to fork alive.

Children saw beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, visited the on-site milking parlour, learnt about the importance of soil as well as understanding the process of growing and harvesting arable and vegetable crops. 

Making and tasting food, created from locally grown and reared produce also featured.

Children found out about meat from butcher, and recently crowned Cornwall Farmer of the Year, James Kittow, shown the cheese making process with the help of Dairy Crest and perfected their crimping skills with guidance from expert pasty makers from Warrens Bakery.

RCAA media education coordinator, Emma Parkyn, said: “The Farm & Country Days are always a really exciting and fun day for all of the children that attend but the event is also a very important opportunity to educate them about how the countryside and the agricultural world operates.

“There are so many myths and misconceptions so it gives us a chance to address these and create a better informed generation of future consumers.

“We are thankful to the numerous volunteers, businesses and organisations, plus some very generous sponsors, who combine to make this event possible to stage.”