The National Fruit Show Education Programme and LEAF Education are partnering together to host a new exciting, innovative and interactive fruit education area at the Kent County Show (8, 9 & 10th July). Using technology which includes virtual reality headsets, drones and large screens, the team will teach young people about British fruit, the horticulture sector and careers in fruit growing by giving a unique insight into the workings of a modern fruit growing business.
Samantha Smith who leads the education programme at the National Fruit Show comments: “We are delighted to be at the Kent Show, taking the message about the fantastic British apples and pears and soft fruit grown here in the UK to young people. We want to get them to taste it and to give them an understanding of where their food comes from, the different growing seasons and what happens on modern British fruit farms to grow fruit, harvest, store, pack and distribute fruit to supermarkets. We also want them to understand that there are some fantastic career opportunities in the sector and we need the brightest people to help ensure we continue to grow our own, sustainable, and healthy food supply. As well as working with LEAF Education, we will also be joined by Outfield Technologies who will be demonstrating how they use drone technology for accurate crop forecasting.”
Sarah Calcutt, Executive Chair of The National Fruit show comments: The education team visit a number of careers events each year and sadly teachers sometimes steer their brightest students away from our stand due to their lack of understanding about the range of careers in the sector. This is a sector which is seeing huge leaps in technological advancement and we need young people with a range of skills to fill a number of roles in the future. Yes there are still the seasonal and manual jobs in the sector, but British fruit growing is seeing great advances in technology from crop forecasting to the use and use of robotics in harvesting and packing.”
Jo Hatton, LEAF Education Regional Consultant in the South East says “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the National Fruit Show and help engage the public in the world of fruit production. The Kent County Show Society are members of LEAF Education, and as such are keen supporters of ensuring that the next generation of decision makers understand the importance of food production, farming and caring for the countryside. The new education area shows this commitment and we are delighted to be involved to inspire our future generations of the many career opportunities open to them.”
Sarah Calcutt concludes: “I would also like to thank the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and the many other businesses who are supporting the education programme at the show through the donation of trees, fruit, juice, and fruit crisps. The whole British fruit industry is getting behind this education initiative and with this level of support, we are able to reach thousands of young people aged 5-18.”
The National Fruit Show Education Programme is run by a small team and is funded by British fruit growers AC Goatham & Son, Avalon Produce Ltd and OnePay. It provides free education resources, classroom visits and support at careers events, providing activities and information suitable for early years up to further education.
LEAF Education works to engage, inspire, and motivate young people through experiential learning, in order to equip our future generations with a balanced and informed insight into food production, farming and the environment.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
Now entering its 89th year and dedicated to showcasing the British top and soft fruit, the National Fruit Show is the show ‘by growers for growers’. Also new for 2022 is a focus on soft fruit at the show, including a new soft fruit technical forum. More information about the National Fruit Show and the education programme can be found at https://nationalfruitshow.org.uk/nfs-education/
About LEAF Education:
- Working to engage, inspire and motivate young people through experiential learning, in order to equip our future generations with a balanced and informed insight into food production, farming and the environment.
- LEAF Education is the education arm of sustainable farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). LEAF works with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers to inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.
For further information contact:
Alison Baldwin, Coast
T: 01233 503200 / 07949 561489
E: alison@coastcommunications.co.uk
