HUNDREDS of school children from across Devon will be taking part in a practical, hands on event later this month to help increase their knowledge of food and farming.

Now in it’s second year, the FarmWise event taking place on 14 October at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, will enable 7 to 11 year olds (Key Stage 2) to touch, feel and smell farming in Devon.

1,400 children from 27 Devon schools are due to attend the invite only day which is run by Devon County Council and the County Farms Estate and supported by Mole Valley Farmers, Devon County Agricultural Association and Bicton College.

Jon Williams from Devon County Council says the aim is to help connect school children with how their food is produced in a fun and interactive way.

“FarmWise brings a massive number of agricultural elements together in one place. There are 12 zones, each profiling a different area of farming, from dairy and poultry, to wildlife and the environment,” he explains.

Each zone will enable children to understand every step involved in getting food on their plate. For example in the arable section, they’ll be able to see how wheat is grown. They’ll then mill it into flour, make the dough and bake some bread before moving on to the beef zone to see how the wheat is an integral part of beef burgers.

About 12 Devon County Council tenant farmers will be organising and taking part and will be bringing along a plethora of livestock, knowledge and enthusiasm to the event.

Mole Valley Farmers will also be providing sponsorship as well as feed, fertiliser, seeds and equipment to help demonstrate all the processes involved in food production. MoleEnergy will also be on hand to show the role of renewable energy on farm, while MoleCare Farm Vets will be involved in explaining animal health.

Jon says linking what’s learnt on the day to the school curriculum is a crucial part of the event. “This is not a stand alone day, we want to use this as part of the curriculum. It’s a great way to bring the curriculum alive outside of the classroom,” he says.