Over 1,000 school children learned about food provenance at a Fy Mhlat Bwyd/My Food Plate event, organised by Carmarthenshire Federation of YFC.
The Welsh and English event was held over three days at the Carmarthenshire Showground and involved children from the county and the surrounding areas.
The County Federation organised the event to help children understand the work involved in producing food and to encourage more young people to consider careers in agriculture and food production.
Local businesses and organisations also supported the event, sharing positive messages and educational resources about various aspects of farming.
Children learned about the origins of red meat with ‘Hybu Cig Cymru,’ the diverse products cows can provide with Gelli Aur College, and the significance of arable farming and its production with the NFU. Additionally, they had the chance to plant spinach with Carmarthenshire Council, which will be used for cooking in the autumn term.
Esyllt Thomas, Carmarthenshire FYFC’s Rural Youth Officer, said: “The sensory aspect was important for the children. They were able to touch and feed sheep, get their hands dirty in the soil, feel the wheat and grain brought by the NFU and cook Bolognese with Castell Howell.”
Various members, officials, grandparents, and parents helped to make the day a success and it is hoped they can secure another grant to provide a similar event next year. Carmarthenshire hopes to make it an annual experience, expanding on the ideas to promote farming and celebrate the farmers of Carmarthenshire.
“The children had the opportunity to watch sheepdog trials and duck trials, which they all enjoyed and learnt to appreciate the skills involved,” added Esyllt.
“We hope to inspire children towards a career in agriculture, and for them to gain an appreciation of what goes on behind their food plate.”
Carys Thomas, Carmathenshire’s County Organiser said: “Carmarthenshire YFC is proud of the event ‘Fy Mhlât Bwyd’. It’s important that we can show the origin of food, the importance of the countryside, farm machinery, and importantly farm safety. Thank you to all who have helped the movement ensure that we can hold this event, from volunteers, members, local businesses, suppliers, and friends of the movement.
"Let's hope we can build from this first event and be able to hold annual events like this for the schools of Carmarthenshire and surrounding areas. It has shown that there is a need for such events as we have already had schools contacting us wanting to book places for children for next year, with schools wanting to bring a greater number of pupils.”