This continued investment comes at a time when demand for food and farming education is stronger than ever. NFU research earlier this year revealed that two-thirds of teachers believe food and farming should play a bigger role in the national curriculum1 鈥� a view echoed by the public, with more than 36,000 people signing the NFU鈥檚 petition calling on government to act2.
NFU Education has responded to this growing appetite with record-breaking outreach. Over the past year, more than half a million schoolchildren have taken part in NFU live lessons, while the 鈥楩armers for Schools鈥� programme 鈥� where trained farmers and NFU staff visit schools to share their stories 鈥� has more than doubled in reach. In the 2024/25 academic year alone, the programme has connected with over 30,000 pupils, thanks to the dedication of nearly 400 trained volunteers.
These incredible numbers were made possible thanks to the Trust鈥檚 support, and its continued investment helps NFU Education continue to expand its reach, develop new resources, and inspire the next generation to learn more about where their food comes from and the role farming plays in their lives.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e 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.
鈥淎t 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.
鈥淭he 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.鈥�
NFU Mutual Chair and Chair of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Jim McLaren MBE said: 鈥淲e 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.鈥�