UK schools will celebrate the Organic Harvest Week from September 23-27. The event is being organised by the Henry Doubleday Research Association, and will feature displays of organic produce grown by school children.

During March and April, more than 200 schools – members of HDRA's Organic Network for Schools – were given 1,600 packets of vegetable seeds from the HDRA's Heritage Seed Library. These were grown in organic gardens in the school grounds, with support from HDRA.

Jackie Gear, HDRA's executive director, said: 'Children aren't eating enough fruit and vegetables, and many haven't got a clue where vegetables come from. I think that it's vitally important to encourage them to eat more fresh produce, and one of the best ways of doing this is to get them to grow their own. Nothing beats the excitement of popping your own pea pods fresh from the garden and tasting the first peas of the season.

'We should be doing everything in our power to encourage children to enjoy fruit and vegetables regularly in their diet. Our Schools' Organic Harvest Week will hopefully do just that.' Organic growing is environment-friendly and encourages wildlife conservation. Those taking part will begin to plan their future gardening projects now, leaving plenty of time for sowing and planting in the spring. Schools without facilities to create a garden will be steered towards using local allotments or even growing in containers.

HDRA's Organic Network for Schools staff will send each school participating in the scheme for 2003 the resources and seeds needed to get them started. Schools will be encouraged to join the Network so they can learn more about organic gardening and share their experiences with other schools.

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