Airfield Estate has launched a recruitment drive to find farmers to participate in its new FarmerTime programme.
SuperValu supports the programme which the 38-acre working farm, gardens and centre for food education and research in Dundrum, Co. Dublin will launch this September.
Airfield Estate re-opened its gates in 2013, hosting almost 70,000 students. It is now rolling out a new, in-class educational programme launching this autumn.
What is FarmerTime?
FarmerTime is a unique programme that links farmers with the consumers of tomorrow through virtual visits to the classroom throughout the school year.
Farmers are beamed into the classroom every two weeks for 15 minutes to talk and meet with students and introduce them to the workings of a farm.
According to Airfield Estate, the aim is to:
- Inspire, engage and educate young people about the journey from farm to fork;
- Also, the everchanging, diverse, seasonal, and challenging nature of agriculture.
Children will regularly chat live with their matched farmer from their classrooms. They can discuss ideas, ask questions, share knowledge, and gain a ‘real-time’ understanding of the issue’s farmers face every day.
Besides, they can experience a real-life application of what they are learning in the classroom.
Connecting young people with food
Speaking about the FarmerTime programme, Kirstie McAdoo said:
“Airfield Estate is proud to work with FarmerTime Founder Tom Martin and its international co-ordinator LEAF (Linking Education and Farming) to provide this free service to farmers, teachers, and students.”
“We are also grateful for the support of SuperValu, who is sponsoring the programme and are well placed to bring this project nationwide with a solid footprint in the community.”
Ray Kelly, marketing director, SuperValu, said: “The FarmerTime programme is a wonderful initiative to connect young people with the food they eat and understand the journey from farm to fork.”
“SuperValu is committed to making our communities better through caring for our environment and sourcing locally.”
“We are excited to support Airfield Estate to deliver a program that will create a better understanding of the work behind producing food and an insight into the ever-changing, diverse agricultural industry.”
The programme has been piloted over the last academic year with schools and farmers. Airfield Estate is now looking to bring more farmers and schools on board.
To sign-up or learn more about the programme, please visit or contact – [email protected]
