LEAF Education: Our Impacts 2023

LEAF Education Our Impacts 2023

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The achievements outlined these pages illustrate positive progress climate change.

The achievements outlined these pages illustrate the positive progress climate change.

The achievements outlined ininin these pages illustrate thethe positive progress wewe we have made on that journey.

I am grateful everyone who has made this important work havehave made on on that journey.

I Iam so grateful everyone who has made this important work made that journey. am soso grateful tototo everyone who has made this important work possible, I look forward to seeing what more we can achieve together months and and possible, andand Iand look forward to what more we can achieve together inmonths the months possible, I look forward toseeing seeing what more we can achieve together in in thethe and years come. years to to come. years to come.

HRH The Duchess Edinburgh GCVO HRH The Duchess of of Edinburgh GCVO Honorary President, Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) Honorary President, Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF)

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO Honorary President, Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF)

Photo © Harper Adams University

It has been incredibly rewarding to work with so many young people this year, and to have the opportunity to listen and provide a platform to share their perceptions, personal experiences, interests and questions.

We thank everyone involved in supporting our vision to ensure our future generations inherit a world that is growing, eating and living sustainably. By working together, we can deliver powerful and imaginative ways to reach future generations to show the hugely significant role that agriculture is playing in delivering more sustainable food and farming systems, as well as highlighting the many exciting career opportunities in our sector.

LEAF’s Education and Public Engagement strategy for the next five years is based on the results of our research project examining how young people perceive and value the agri-food industry. Specifically, our focus is on ensuring that the agri-food industry listens to young people about the issues that matter most to them, and to identify how we as a sector can work together to best engage, inspire, and motivate future generations. A key part of this is to provide society, especially young people, with the opportunity to visit a farm and see how their food is produced, whilst supporting educators and farmers in delivering high quality, memorable learning experiences that provide a balanced and informed insight into food production, farming, and the environment. Our role is to ensure that we have a future generation who are better informed than ever before, as future (conscious) consumers, decision makers, leaders, employees and employers.

We have been overwhelmed by the engagement of like-minded organisations, individual farmers and educators; together, we are delivering powerful and tangible outcomes. We greatly value these partnerships and collaborations, and look forward to strengthening them even further, whilst also developing new alliances across the agri-food industry. Utilising our longstanding expertise in delivering meaningful education and wider public engagement opportunities, LEAF Education are here to lead, to convene, to measure and to deliver transformative change; together with you, our partners.

Carl Edwards LEAF Director, Education & Public Engagement

733,530

Our impact in highlights

young people benefitted from LEAF Education’s work in 2023

We are incredibly proud of the work we deliver, and its sustained impact is extremely rewarding and a huge motivator for the team. As the leading agri-education organisation, this year we experienced exponential growth, with an eight-fold increase in our project delivery. We are going further to engage, inspire and motivate young people and wider society to be conscious consumers, who feel empowered to make decisions that ensure we have a world that is growing, eating, and living sustainably.

Direct delivery to

38,032 young

people on-farm, or in the classroom Totalling

42,370 hours

Whether it is providing first hand experiences on a working farm, our ongoing commitment to engage with young people and wider society, or our continued focus on working collaboratively across the agri-food industry, our work is centred on bringing the world of farming closer to young peoples hearts and minds.

64,412 young

people engaged in activities through our project work

“I loved it, it was my favourite day of school!”

- Year 4 Student

“I learnt lots about how I can support young people and wildlife, and connecting this to stewardship and sustainable farming initatives. Thank you!”

- Farmer

“The reward of seeing thirty children getting back on a coach buzzing after a half day farm visit is something else!

The visit provided a practical and real-life experience that followed on directly from some of the curriculum learning during the year. The very positive response from the children to this highlighted for me the importance of this kind of experience to follow up and embed classroom learning.”

- Key Stage 4 Teacher

Our research How do young people perceive and value the agri-food industry?

Ensuring young people have a voice in the future development of the agri-food industry is one of our key priorities. As part of this commitment, we delivered our largest piece of youth engagement research to date, covering four key themes: •

Sustainable Food Production

•

Conscious Consumers

•

Diversity and Inclusivity

•

Careers

Overwhelmingly the research findings were positive, showing that we have a future generation that is keen to learn more. Young people care deeply about the issues facing the agri-food industry, and ultimately, want to know that the industry is doing the right thing for them and for the planet.

Our research report highlighted some key actions for the industry to take collectively, with LEAF Education’s role being to convene and lead a far-reaching programme of promotion, outreach and education, with young people at the core.

View the full report, next steps, and outcomes: leaf.eco/education/research

95% of young people feel

that wider society should be more aware of where their food comes from

91% of young people believe

our individual food choices are important in some way in the fight against climate change “The agri-food industry is the backbone of our society.”

- Year 10 Student

“It is a really big industry and is nothing like the stereotypes.”

- Year 11 Student Photo © Harper Adams University

Supporting farmers Cross-pollination is key in what we do at LEAF Education, and the support we offer to farmers equips them with the tools, know-how, confidence and guidance to host safe and impactful farm visits. Our work with farmers includes accredited training, one-toone and group support, continuous professional development (CPD) training, as well as activity and networking days that bring likeminded people together.

The impact of our work with farmers is crucial in helping to reinforce the positive perceptions of the agri-food industry amongst young people and wider society. In 2023, the team delivered five-times more CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme) courses, with over 250 farmers taking part to learn how to host safe and meaningful farm visits.

“The support LEAF Education Specialists provide to farmers is amazing - coaching us through planning activities, contacting schools, and applying the psychology of education. On a personal level, their positive, cheerful and encouraging personality is highly motivating to do things that are beyond the comfort zone of daily farming.”

- CEVAS accredited farmer

609

farmers trained Totalling

3032 hours

500%

increase in CEVAS courses delivered

Inspiring others through convening, connecting and collaborating In October we hosted our Pop Up Knowledge Hub at Dyson Farming, bringing together farmers, educators, researchers, industry bodies, charities, universities and schools. All had a genuine passion about working together to bring the world of farming and food production closer to young people. The wide-ranging workshops, discussions and activities, lead by the LEAF Education team, showed what can be done in practice out on-farm and in the classroom to ignite young minds. The enthusiasm was palpable in the room, with over one hundred attendees taking part in the day, all with a collective desire to learn and be inspired.

100% rated the Pop Up Knowledge Hub as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ 100% would recommend attending the Pop Up Knowledge Hub Over 17,000 young people expected to benefit from the long term outcomes of the event Our grateful thanks to Dyson Farming, BASF and Sainsbury’s for supporting our Pop Up Knowledge Hub:

“It was brilliant, thank you so much. And great to meet

“Everything was 10/10”

everyone. I am not sure what I had expected but it far outweighed it. I came home and was so enthused my husband would like to do one now so we can be on the

“I’m now on a mission

same page when organising visits!”

to do a CEVAS course!”

“Had no idea LEAF did so much in the

“So many new and

“Amazing,

Education sector! Amazing! Today was

engaging ways of talking

inspiring day.

incredibly useful, great to have so many

to young people about

Lots of ideas to

resources available to us. Good to learn

farming – I’ll be getting

implement and

creative ways to adapt each activity to

them debating next time

collaborate with

the appropriate age range. Thank you!”

we have them on farm!”

LEAF on.”

- LEAF Education Pop Up Knowledge Hub attendees

Empowering conscious consumers of the future Our work is invaluable in equipping young people with a balanced and informed insight into where their food comes from, giving them the knowledge and understanding to make more informed, climate positive choices. Young people want to learn more about the agri-food industry through experiences out on-farm, or even in-factory / in-store. Every visit provides an opportunity to see food production in action, to delve deeper into the importance of sustainability across the farming and food chain, as well as consider their role as consumers.

The value of caring for nature on farms can be experienced first-hand: like learning about the importance of pollinators by seeing the bees, birds and butterflies up close!

“What a wonderful opportunity for all! The children and staff all thoroughly enjoyed the day. They gained lots of knowledge about the world around them, developed an appreciation of farming and biophilia, as well as having such a fun day with many “first-time experiences.” Thank you so much - it was an excellent day, even the rain couldn’t stop us!” - Key Stage 4 Science Teacher

“All staff commented on the educational benefits, but also the social and emotional developments. I think it further developed children’s appreciation of the environment and the importance of sustainability.” - Key Stage 1 Teacher

100% of students would like to visit a farm again

100% of students learnt something new

100% of students and

teachers would like to engage in follow-up activities in the next academic year

92% of students believe that young people should care where their food comes from

Wide reaching projects LEAF’s core work and wide reaching projects directly help to facilitate the important experiential learning that is key to empowering the conscious consumers of the future:

Why Farming Matters

Burger King Partnership

Why Farming Matters is our top performing

Over 500 young people have received a first-hand

resource, designed for primary school teachers

learning experience on a working farm as a direct

to use in and out of the classroom in order to

result of our partnership with Burger King!

deepen children’s understanding of the role of farming. The booklet contains activities linked to the curriculum to encourage pupils to start investigating why farming matters.

10,432 views of the webpage 2,404 downloads Over 72,000 young people reached in schools Top resource downloaded on Countryside Classroom

The project involved King Jr.™ box meals featuring LEAF Education activities themed on pollinators, as well as a competition to win a day out on farm for their school.

813 families engaged with the competition resources 529 young people won a free farm visit “All the staff had high praise for the visit, giving it 5 out of 5 stars! The farm felt clean, safe and easy to walk around. Marion and Jo were very friendly and informative. A fantastic day out to which we thank Burger King, LEAF and Marion at Huddlestone Farm!”

Farming Fortnight Now in its fifth year, Farming Fortnight continues to be successful in providing two weeks of exciting resources, activities and learning opportunities for young people - all shining a spotlight on the food and farming industry. Each day of Farming Fortnight has a different theme, with a memorable social media hashtag to encourage schools and students to share their learning experiences. Topics include healthy food choices, sustainable diets and lifestyles, climate change, whilst also showcasing the range of future career opportunities available in the agricultural sector.

260,306 people received the opportunity to take part in Farming Fortnight 2023 The best performing themes for primary were: #MuddyMonday #TractorTuesday with secondary leaning towards #TastyThursday #ThankfulThursday. #SustainabilitySaturday and #TechyTuesday performed well for all ages!

“Teaching our young people about where their food comes from and the work that farmers do is vital. Vital for promoting sustainability, reducing food miles, eating seasonally, and protecting our food security.”

- Donna Ashlee, Vice Principal, LEAF Education Gold Demonstration School

Working together By working together, we are delivering powerful and imaginative ways to reach future generations: highlighting the significance of our sector in scaling up more sustainable, global food and farming systems, as well as the many career opportunities available to them. As reflected by our eight-fold increase in our project work, the appetite to partner and collaborate with us is stronger than ever, and we are grateful for the opportunities that we have had in 2023 to further our reach, impact and ambitions.

We thank all of our partners and collaborators for their continued support.

Raising aspirations Whilst young people seem to have little awareness of the wide range of career opportunities in the agri-food industry, following our research and work this year, we found that young people generally had a positive perception of our industry - describing it as “fulfilling”, “rewarding”, “well-paid”, and “resilient”. This is why we feel it is essential to spotlight the multitude of career pathways that are available, and provide opportunities for young people to get a taste of what is on offer across our diverse industry.

#FarmMyFood This year, we held two regional #FarmMyFood events in Cumbria and Hampshire, to highlight the connections between GCSE studies and potential future career choices in the agri-food sector. Young people had the chance to engage with business owners and experts through workshops, a buzzing food hall and a tractor tour of the working farm.

“It was highly interesting, just to know how many different jobs there are. The careers fair on farm expanded on all the different jobs/further careers within agriculture and food production.” - GCSE Student

“Farming isn’t just tractors and wellies, there are many steps before getting to the shelves in supermarkets for customers to buy. Farming is a very important job, it should be appreciated more how much work goes into our producing our food!” - GCSE Student

Inspiring futures with hands-on learning The power of education and hands-on learning is encompassed in our annual National Food, Farming and Natural Environment competition. Hosted at Myerscough College in 2023, secondary students were immersed in a wealth of exciting, practical activities over a residential weekend, giving an insight into what the agri-food industry has to offer. Students, from both the 2023 competition and previous years, have been inspired to consider a career in the industry and study at land-based colleges.

Throughout the weekend, the students tackled a thought-provoking hypothesis: “No one part of the Integrated Farm Management (IFM) wheel is more important than the other”. LEAF and Myerscough College provided practical workshops and hands-on activities that gave a meaningful and first-hand insight in to IFM. These included tasks based on water management, animal husbandry, genetics, milk molecules and hedge laying. At the end of the weekend, all students argued that all parts of IFM are essential due to the interconnectivity and cyclical nature of farming and food production.

“We come from inner city Birmingham where the greenery is scarce and agriculture is limited. Prior to attending the LEAF event, our knowledge on farming and agriculture was limited, however our understanding has now been broadened. A huge thanks for the amazing opportunities.

The invaluable experience these students now have will really be the making of their futures.”

Heartlands Academy - National Competition Winners 2023

Growing our impact in schools Teachers have a hugely influential role in the lives of young people - both within and beyond the classroom. Our work with teachers includes unique training opportunities, direct engagement in-schools and on-farm visits, as well as an extensive range of curriculum related resources around farming and food production.

The feedback we receive from teachers is overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting our work as “informative”, “engaging” and “insightful”. The teacher takeaways from the farm visits are inspiring to hear - with many telling us how much they have learned about food production, both on farm and beyond and have a greater awareness of the global nature of farming, how to make more sustainable food choices and implementing a ‘greener’ lifestyle at home.

Following initial farm visits, many teachers go on to establish close links with their local farms and adapt lesson plans to embed farming and food production. Many are keen to collaborate with LEAF Education again, continuing to be aware of the unique professional development opportunities offered by us, as well as wanting to visit a local farm on our annual Open Farm Sunday event.

Through our Education Specialist network, we have established close links with hundreds of schools across the UK. They value the unique professional development opportunities we offer coupled with resources and practical on-farm experiences.

100% of teachers rated their farm visit as ‘outstanding’

100% of teachers report increased

confidence in engaging young people in discussions linking food production, farming and the environment to the curriculum, following a farm visit “Thank you so much, our visit was incredibly well organised and the children got a fantastic insight into farming that they would never have got if we hadn’t worked with LEAF Education.” - Key Stage 2 Teacher

“A brilliant 2 hours, motivational, team building, pitched at the right level for us (teachers) and fantastic ideas to use and engage our students.” - Key Stage 5 Teacher

Patrons, members and supporters LEAF Education patrons, members, partners and supporters are critical to all we do. Their generous support funds our work on farm and in the classroom, our training provision and outreach programme as well as our curriculum related resources.

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to our patrons for their dedication and long-term support.

Many thanks to the following for their generous support: The A Team Foundation The Aurora Trust (formerly The Ashden Trust) The Broyst Foundation Chadacre Agricultural Trust The Chacegrove Family Foundation CLA Charitable Trust Cumbria Community Foundation - Westmorland Family Community Fund Doris Field Charitable Trust East Sussex Proficiency Tests Committee Limited The Ernest Cook Trust The Florence Turner Trust The Ganton Furze Settlement Garfield Weston

The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust The J Reginald Corah Foundation Fund The John Coates Charitable Trust The Llysdinam Trust The Mary Robertson Trust The Michael Cornish Charitable Trust The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust The Newby Trust The Nineveh Charitable Trust The Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust (R11) The Tendril Trust The William Dean Countryside and Educational Trust The Worshipful Company of Farmers

Get involved Are you a farmer looking to work with us?

There are lots of ways to connect your farm with the classroom and help children experience food, farming

Looking forward

and the countryside. Whether you’re completely new or are looking for fresh ideas, LEAF Education is here to help with whatever type of activity you choose. Visit our website, or get in touch, for more information and to discuss your options. leaf.eco/education/for-farmers/get-involved

Over the next five years, LEAF Education will work with agri-food

Are you a teacher?

industry leaders, brands and retailers

Looking to link farming, the environment and food to

to deliver the recommendations

the curriculum in and out of your classroom? Take a

identified in our research. We will

look at what we offer online, or get in touch for more

convene and collaborate across the

information.

industry to develop an ambitious

leaf.eco/education/for-teachers

and far-reaching programme of events, initiatives and outreach activities that promote our industry as a place of opportunity, innovation and significance in addressing the challenges facing our planet.

Are you looking to become a member, partner or supporter of LEAF Education?

Contact one of our helpful team to find out how! education@leaf.eco

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) Avenue J, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG enquiries@leaf.eco www.leaf.eco 02476 413 911 LEAF is a registered charity (Number 1045781).