From Field to Table
Secondary school pupils are spending two weeks at the biodynamic farm, Juchowo Farm. The aim of the visit to the farm is to find out where the food on our table comes from. The pupils work in different areas of the farm, such as in the fields, in the vegetable and herb garden, in the calf house, in the cowsheds and in the kitchen. Pupils gather completely new experiences, they explore the processes 'from seed to bread', 'from grass to cheese', 'from seed to vegetable harvest'. In this way they begin to understand how much work it takes to have bread on the table every day. They learn about the connections and relationships between human agricultural activity and the environment.
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'Research biodynamic farming to find out how it helps the planet'
How is the project linked to climate change & sustainability?
The pupils learn how a biodynamic farm cares for the environment and biodiversity. They experience this through their daily work and at the same time learn how to care for the environment. They learn about on-farm measures related to climate change and sustainability such as crop rotations, tree planting and the use of compost, which make a practical contribution to climate protection. The pupils are becoming more sensitive to environmental and climate change issues and will hopefully transfer their experiences to their everyday environment.
Who is involved?
The project involves secondary school pupils, teachers, parents and employees of the biodynamic farm Juchowo Farm. Since 2015, approximately 200 students between the ages of 14 and 16 have participated each year.
How are the participants involved?
The pupils are directly involved through their daily work on the farm. Every day they are given tasks by the farm workers, who are at the same time their supervisors, and support them in carrying out these tasks. There is time for discussion, explanation and reflection on what the pupils done over the course of the day. The teachers, who come with the pupils, are also involved in the daily rhythm of life on the farm. The parents of the pupils participate indirectly, i.e. when the pupils return to school they organise a presentation of their experiences and what they have learnt in the form of photographs, films and stories.
Key steps
- Pupils arrive at the farm and are given an initial tour of the different aspects of farm work.
- The pupils are divided into teams and daily assignments of tasks are given out. These tasks are done in the garden, in the fields and in the animal enclosures.
- The pupils engage with a number of small projects to learn where their food comes from. These include "from grain to bread", "from grass to cheese", "from seeds to harvesting vegetables".
- The farm runs a series of discussions, talks and presentations on how biodynamic farming helps to solve the problems of climate change.
- Environmental protection in practice - plant sewage treatment plant, mid-field afforestation, flower strips etc.
- During their stay, the pupils create short films and take photographs. These are used to create further learning presentations for parents and other pupils in the school.