Cool learning tool

A calf, a lamb and a Minister teach us about farming

Last Thursday, Agri Aware launched its biggest initiative ever. Guests of honour on the day included a calf, a lamb, the boys of fourth class CUS, Leeson Street, and the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Joe Walsh.

Joanne Fox was there

It certainly made for an interesting gathering, as the Minister led the calf by a halter through Dublin's Temple Bar and into the Irish Film Institute, closely followed by a bleating lamb in the arms of Celebrity Farm contestant George McMahon. This celebration marked the launch of an educational video called Agriculture: Cool or What? that aims to educate primary school children around the country about where their food comes from. The video has been distributed to each of the 3,300 primary schools in the country, and will be a widely-used educational resource for many years to come.

The main character in the 20-minute animated video is Dodo Dave, a city boy, who knows very little about where his favourite foods - bun burger, chips and a milkshake - come from. Dave attempts to find out, and his search leads him into the countryside, to talk to farmers and others involved in agriculture. Speaking at the launch, Minister Walsh said that, with 170,000 people employed on farms, agriculture was the most important indigenous industry in the country, and it was important to explain this importance to schoolchildren in a manner that would appeal to them. "We used to smile when we heard stories of young people in America not knowing where milk came from. Now, in a more diverse and complex society, there is a danger of it happening here. Agri-business employs almost one in 10 of the workforce, yet you find that, even in traditionally rural areas, fewer and fewer children have visited farms or have an appreciation of what goes on there.'' Agri Aware chairman, TJ Maher said: "This is the single biggest project ever undertaken by Agri Aware, and it emphasises our commitment to creating a greater understanding of the farming and food industry in Ireland, particularly to young people.''

FBD chief executive, Philip Fitzsimons said the video and education pack represented an excellent development. "We are very conscious of the issues in agriculture and farming at present, and it is that vital our young generation understands agriculture. The initiative by Agri Aware brings agriculture and farming into the classroom. It highlights the key role played by all employed in the sector, in ensuring we utilise Ireland's key resources to the full and deliver quality products at home and abroad.''

The €100,000 programme includes a teacher's resource pack, activity sheets and a nationwide art competition. It aims to promote awareness of the economic importance of the food and farming industries and the impact agricultural activities have on everyday life.

The project is managed by Agri Aware and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Food and FBD.