Young Farmers cook up Olympic feast at Autumn Malvern Show

Young Farmers will celebrate the success of London 2012 at the national finals of the Olympic-themed YFC cookery competitions at the Malvern Autumn Show this Saturday 29 September.

A total of 90 competitors from across England and Wales will represent their regions’ producers by preparing Olympic celebratory dinners from locally-sourced food. The competition theme celebrates farming and food production and Young Farmers’ skills and achievement to the thousands of visitors attending the Malvern show.

The cookery finals follow on from a joint project between Natural England and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which involved hundreds of Young Farmers taking part in cookery demonstrations during the Olympic Torch Relay. The project called Great British Food for Great British Athletes was awarded the Inspire Mark from LOCOG and promoted British farm produce and the benefits farming brings to the countryside.

Claire Worden, NFYFC Competitions’ Committee Chairman, said:

“Hundreds of Young Farmers will have participated in the competitions, demonstration cookery and educational activities throughout the UK during the Olympic Torch Relay. We are delighted to be showcasing, not just our YFC skills, ethos and willingness to be advocates for the industry, but also our wonderful British produce and our care for the environment.

“So many members and staff have worked together to bring this important farming message to the public and I’m delighted that we can demonstrate this further at Malvern. After the challenging weather conditions and late harvest, YFC members will rise to one more challenge!”

NFYFC and Natural England have forged a partnership that aims to promote the work of both organisations – fun, learning and achievement for YFC members. Natural England’s aim is to work with farmers and their local communities to make the most of the natural environment and conserve the special wildlife and landscapes it sustains.

Poul Christensen, Chair of Natural England and President Elect of NFYFC said:

“Our work is mutually beneficial on various levels, whether farming, conservation or education. We want to work on the success of our partnership to develop further projects and build on this positive relationship. Young Farmers are the future custodians of the countryside and food producers and play an important advocacy role.”

A total of 380 Young Farmers will compete in YFC competitions at this year’s Malvern Autumn Show – www.threecounties.co.uk/malvernautumn – where members of the public can learn more about one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK. Young Farmers from across the country will be competing in the Cookery Finals and the Tug of War on Saturday 29 September and the Floral Arts Finals will take place on Sunday 30 September.