City children get a taste of the best of British food

As British Food Fortnight 2010 gets into full swing, schoolchildren from across London will be able to get an insiders view of farming at a special event at Lee Valley.

Countryside Live, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, is a country fair aimed at schools, particularly those in urban areas which may not have previously had much exposure to farming and rural issues. It will feature the NFUs roadshow where youngsters will be able to milk a lifelike model cow and take home packets of salad seeds to try to grow at home.

The NFU is one of the supporters of British Food Fortnight, which started on Saturday (September 18) and runs until October 3. The aim of the fortnight is to celebrate the diversity and quality of British produce and promotions and tastings in pubs, shops, schools and hospitals are taking place across the country.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: The NFU is delighted to be supporting British Food Fortnight. Our participation at Countryside Live will give city children a brief introduction to farming and hopefully make them think more about where the food they eat has come from.

An NFU member, James Potter, a poultry farmer from north Yorkshire, has been chosen to be the face of this years British Food Fortnight, after a nationwide search judged by Max Clifford.

The fortnight has been running since 2002 and is held at harvest festival time to coincide with the period when Britain has traditionally celebrated its food. The event sees 35,000 schools across the country provided with information on food and cookery activities.

Countryside Live, which is held at the Lee Valley Regional Park in Leyton, east London, will see a range of exhibitors presenting hands-on learning opportunities for schools which visit of all aspects of farming and the countryside.

1.      Countryside Live is open for school visits. For more information, see www.countrysidelive.org.uk

2.      A full list of events which are taking place regionally and nationally for British Food Fortnight can be found at www.lovebritishfood.co.uk