Have your say on education about food and farming

We believe the current curriculum severely underrepresents farming and growing, often misrepresenting it entirely. This has resulted in a false impression and a lack of understanding of what our sector can offer in terms of food provision, sustainability, addressing climate change and aspirational career opportunities. This contributes to our industry’s talent shortage and public misconseptions.

We urgently need your input to change this.

The Industry Careers Action Plan (ICAP) Group - a collaboration of leading industry stakeholders - is preparing a coordinated response to this review. By completing our short survey before 5pm on 19 November, you also have the chance to contribute and make a lasting impact on the next generation.

If you prefer, you can respond directly to the government's call for evidence before 22 November. 

This is our chance to ensure the next generation understands how food is produced and the vital role our industry plays in sustainability and the economy. We can showcase our industry's meaningful impact on young people and highlight the positive changes we're making, despite agri-food's limited presence in the current National Curriculum.

You can visit our Careers Hub to find out more about the work of the ICAP, how it's helping teachers build horticulture and agriculture into their lessons and why it’s so vital we act now.

Signed

Richard Longthorp OBE, Chair of the ICAP on behalf of key careers stakeholders.

AHDB, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Country Trust, Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), Lantra, LEAF, National Federation of Young Farmers (NFYFC), The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH)

Why is this important?

• Talent shortage: Our sector is hindered by a lack of labour. Improving awareness of the industry will help to attract a wider range of new entrants
• Changing perceptions and creating informed consumers: Using farming and growing as positive case studies across the curriculum will showcase the innovation and diverse career opportunities our industry offers
• Inclusivity and representation: Consistent representation will improve agriculture and horticulture's visibility and appeal to a diverse range of students, widening its appeal 
• Industry pride and educational commitment: As an industry, we already invest significantly in educating the public about food production and sustainability. We're proud of our sector and eager to share our knowledge and passion with the next generation
• Environmental stewardship: Agriculture and horticulture plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and promoting biodiversity. Educating students about these efforts can inspire them to see farming as part of the solution to environmental challenges

What are we asking the review to consider?

• Integrate farming and growing into core subjects taught to all students: Highlight the scientific and technological aspects of modern agriculture in science, technology and maths classes
• Incorporate hands-on learning experiences: Advocate for all children to grow a plant, go on farm visits and have other practical experiences as part of the curriculum
• Emphasise environmental stewardship: Connect farming and growing to topics like climate change, biodiversity and sustainable food systems. Explain the industry's role in addressing climate change through carbon sequestration and renewable energy production
• Reinforce the industry's role across the curriculum: Such as by exploring concepts of food security relative to history and politics, animal welfare in biology, local food systems and reducing food waste in geography

What can you do?

We greatly value your opinion on our industry and how it should be incorporated into the National Curriculum.

And there are several ways you can help put your opinions across - in addition to completing our survey.

These include:

• Making your own response direct to the government's call for evidence
• Share your thoughts on the inclusion of agriculture and horticulture in the curriculum
• Highlight the opportunities you think should be included, with a brief explanation as to why
• Share success stories of how exposure to agriculture has positively impacted young people. Our Virtual Work Experience programme, for instance, has shown that when young people understand modern farming, their interest grows significantly
• Encourage your networks - other farmers, parents, and rural communities - to also respond to the review

This is a pivotal moment for our industry. We have a chance to present our thoughts on the future of agriculture and horticulture in education, paving the way for a new generation of farmers, growers and informed consumers.

You can find materials for teachers, careers advisers and influencers to get a better understanding of our industry on our Careers Advice Hub.