Cash from NFU Mutual Charitable Trust will help meet demand for food and farming education
The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has pledged £70,000 to support NFU Education, helping to bring food and farming into classrooms across the country.
The continued investment comes at a time when demand for food and farming education is stronger than ever, the union said, citing NFU research from earlier this year that revealed two-thirds of teachers believe food and farming should play a bigger role in the national curriculum.
Crucially, that is a view echoed by the public, with more than 36,000 people signing the NFU’s petition calling on government to act.
The NFU said that NFU Education has responded to this growing appetite with record-breaking outreach. Over the past year, more than half a million schoolchildren have taken part in NFU live lessons, while the ‘Farmers for Schools’ programme – where trained farmers and NFU staff visit schools to share their stories – has more than doubled in reach.
In the 2024/25 academic year alone, the programme has connected with over 30,000 pupils, thanks to the work of nearly 400 trained volunteers.
The numbers were made possible thanks to the Trust’s support, the NFU said, adding that its continued investment helps NFU Education continue to expand its reach, develop new resources, and inspire the next generation to learn more about where their food comes from and the role farming plays in their lives.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for this generous donation. Its continued support is a vital boost that helps us reach even more young people with engaging, curriculum-linked resources that bring food and farming to life.
“At a time when climate change, global conflict and supply chain shocks are putting pressure on food systems worldwide, it has never been more important to grow that understanding at home. Young people deserve to leave school with a fair understanding of the many benefits British farming has to offer.
“The vital work of NFU Education is instrumental in inspiring the next generation to understand and value the origins of their food, and the overwhelming success and popularity of our projects show the appetite to learn more.”
