A New Chapter for Farmer Time
Farmer Time, an innovative programme connecting young people with the agricultural industry, is celebrating its recognition as an independent charity. This milestone follows a successful collaboration between Village Farm and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), alongside formal approval from the UK government. This transition enables Farmer Time to expand its reach and deepen its mission of fostering a better understanding of farming and sustainability among the younger generation.
Bridging Classrooms and Farms
Founded by Tom Martin on his family farm in England, Farmer Time leverages the power of technology to connect classrooms with farmers across the UK. Using live video chats on platforms such as Zoom and Skype, students engage directly with their paired farmers, asking questions, sharing knowledge, and gaining unique insights into the daily realities of farming.
These virtual interactions have a significant impact, especially for children who may never have the opportunity to visit a farm. A 2024 survey revealed that 100% of participating farmers and teachers enjoyed the programme, highlighting its value in making agriculture relatable and accessible.
“Every single call is a highlight. Showing children the farm and knowing they may never set foot on one otherwise is priceless,” shared a participating farmer.
Welcoming New Leadership
As part of its transformation into an independent charity, Farmer Time has appointed two distinguished individuals to its board:
- Dr. John Viney: A visionary leader and Founder of Leaderverse, Dr. Viney has a proven track record in scaling some of the UK’s top-performing companies. His strategic expertise will be instrumental in helping Farmer Time expand its classroom-to-farm connections, focusing on food, farming, and sustainability.
- Dr. Kirstie McAdoo: A dedicated advocate for sustainable food systems and agricultural education, Dr. McAdoo brings 15 years of experience to the team. As an Adjunct Professor at University College Dublin, she promotes women in farming and is actively reshaping the Ag Science curriculum for post-primary students.
Transforming Education
Farmer Time is more than just a learning programme; it is a bridge between classrooms and the agricultural world. Through its focus on topics such as healthy eating (62%), careers in agriculture (48%), and environmental sustainability (88%), Farmer Time has enriched the education of countless students across the UK.
Teachers have lauded the programme for creating lasting connections.
“Building a relationship with our paired farmer and witnessing seasonal changes on the farm has been an unforgettable experience,” remarked one educator.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Farmer Time begins this new chapter as an independent charity, it remains committed to inspiring, engaging, and educating young people about the dynamic world of agriculture. By fostering partnerships between farmers and classrooms, the programme is equipping the next generation with a deeper understanding of the food they eat and the processes behind it.
With its expanded leadership team and unwavering dedication, Farmer Time is poised to reach more schools and empower even more young minds across the UK, ensuring the future of farming is understood, valued, and celebrated.
