Initiative to educate young on animal welfare announced

An initiative to educate young people about how their food is produced and its links to health, farming and the environment was revealed yesterday (29 November), by David Miliband, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

The Year of Food and Farming will involve all schools in England, and run from September 2007. The Prince of Wales will act as patron for the initiative.

The goal is that young people will make more informed decisions about the food they eat, how this affects their health, the environment, and climate change. Miliband will made the announcement at a conference: 'Food and Farming - Reconnecting a new generation', which looked at how to increase opportunities for local food producers to supply schools, and other public services.

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has welcomed the news, and has said it is vital that a real understanding of farming takes into account animal welfare. Phil Brooke, CIWF's education officer, said: "Most children care greatly about farm animal welfare. Raising the welfare issues associated with farming is a great way of getting children to think about what they choose to eat, alongside associated health, environmental and social issues."

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