The NFU has set three exciting new challenges for the second year of its national primary school competition, Farmvention.
The competition is set to return this autumn after a highly successful debut which included more than 1,000 UK schools.
Inspiring creativity and innovation, the competition encourages children to use their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills to overcome some of the day-to-day problems farmers face as they produce food for the nation.
This time, schools will be challenged to design one of the following:
- A unique clothing product using British wool;
- A healthy street food dish which celebrates a British ingredient; or
- A farming machine for the year 2040.
Each challenge will also require pupils to submit an advertisement that explains the benefits of the product, both for the shopper and the environment.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “Last year’s competition proved that Farmvention is a great way to reconnect children with their food and get them thinking about rural life.
“The real-life context also helps children to get stuck into key subjects such as science and technology.
This year we’ve taken the competition even further by incorporating an advertisement to reflect British farmers’ main priorities – caring for the environment and delivering for the public. It’s also another chance for children to get their creative hats on.
“The enthusiasm we received from both pupils and teachers for the launch last year was truly overwhelming. I can’t wait to get the competition running again and see what this year’s Farmventors come up with.”
Nine winners will be selected to showcase their designs at the Houses of Parliament next year and will receive a host of prizes including fully-funded farm visits.
Other prizes include chef visits, £600 of robotics products for the school and the chance to have their clothing design made into a garment.
Entries are open from September 9 until December 23, 2019.
