The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Charitable Trust has pledged £70,000 to support food and farming education in schools.

According to the NFU, the continued investment by the Charitable Trust into NFU Education comes at a time when “demand for food and farming education is stronger than ever”. Research from the union earlier this year revealed that two-thirds of teachers surveyed think food and farming should play a bigger role in the national curriculum.

In July, The NFU launched a campaign asking Government to update the school curriculum to better represent British food and farming, and has received 36,000 signatures on its petition calling for Government to take action.

Over the past year, more than half a million schoolchildren have taken part in live lessons organised by NFU Education and the Farmers for Schools programme, in which farmers and NFU staff visit schools to share their stories, has more than double in reach, connecting with over 30,000 pupils in the 2024/25 academic year.

“The vital work of NFU Education is instrumental in inspiring the next generation to understand and value the origins of their food.”

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos commented: “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.”

NFU Mutual chair and chair of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Jim McLaren MBE said: “We are very proud to support the development of NFU Education through this donation. Helping young people to learn about farming and where their food comes from is crucially important, and this is a fantastic initiative working closely with schools to deliver engaging and memorable education.”