The national president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) Pheilim Molloy is calling on the Government and newly appointed Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton to ensure food production is included in the education experience for both national and secondary school pupils.
In pushing for the change Molloy explained how “food, along with water and air are the essential components for life and while education is about expanding our understanding and increasing our knowledge,” it is he added “critical that the basics for life are not forgotten, which is why we need a reappraisal around food production.”
As society moves further away from the land, it is, Molloy stated “essential that all people have an understanding around the production of food and the best place to start is in our schools.”
“At National School and especially from third class we need to explain to children how food is produced and if possible this should include the growing of vegetables in a garden or poly-tunnel” explained the INHFA president and “where this is not possible then we need to look at other options.”
Obviously he continued “the production of livestock and milk may not be practical at school yard level so with regard to this we would need to look at farm visits and while this may be more complicated in larger urban areas if there is a desire to make this happen then a practical solution can be found.”
“At Secondary school we need to combine food production with cooking in a practical manner that engages the pupils while also explaining the need for food security and role of CAP in this and its role in sustainable food production” added the INHFA leader.
Currently in our schools at national and secondary level there is Molloy stated “a major emphasis on climate action with a specific subject on Climate Action and Sustainable Development available at senior level in secondary schools.”
While this has he added “gained recognition and support across the board, it is disappointing that a similar emphasis has not been placed on sustainable food production and this is something that I hope the Minister can reflect on and move to address.”
In concluding Molloy pushed the need for greater and practical engagement with younger generations on food production stating that “no matter what career or profession you pursue you need food two to three times a day which makes it more important than anything which is why it needs proper recognition.”