I was recently present at the launch of the Incredible Edibles Growing Scheme at the old fruit and vegetable market in Smithfield, Dublin.
Over 200,000 children are being challenged to sow and grow five Irish fruit and vegetable crops in their classroom for the Incredible Edibles Growing Challenge. 360,000 seeds and plants and 60 tonnes of compost will land in the form of an Irish produce growing kit on every primary school doorstep Nationwide for the initiative. |
The young farmers will create a growing diary and document their agricultural adventure from sowing and planting in February through to harvest in June. The aim of the challenge, developed by Agri Aware, is to increase consumption of healthy foods and highlight the nutritional and cultural significance of Irish fruit and vegetables among primary school pupils.
Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture, said at the launch, There has been exceptional cross-industry support for the Incredible Edibles. This has given all primary schools the opportunity to participate for free”. The Minister added, “The potential educational benefits of this campaign are immense. Developing the food growing skills and encouraging good eating habits of the next generation will help make Ireland become a more resourceful and healthier society in the years to come.”
|
The Incredible Edibles is the follow on from Agri Aware’s Meet the Spuds! Potato Growing Challenge 2008 in which over 2,000 schools participated. A survey conducted among almost 900 participating teachers confirmed that 90% believe their pupils now have a greater understanding of Irish farming and food with over 80% claiming they are now more likely to develop a school garden.
Agri Aware Chairman, Mairead Lavery, highlighted “It is vitally important that we build upon the success of last year’s potato challenge. A prime objective of this industry supported project is to provide schools with an experience that is minimum fuss, maximum fun. Pupils and teachers will not only learn about the quality of Irish food, but actually walk a mile in the boots of an Irish farmer.”
Approximately 20 of Ireland’s leading fruit and vegetable organisations are supporting this health and quality produce drive. |
| Over €10,000 in educational prizes are up for grabs for ten winning growing diaries. The diaries will be assessed by a dedicated judging panel and five winners and five runners-up will be chosen from Dublin, Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connact/Ulster and Special Needs. |
