A collaborative farm to fork event taking place in Carmarthenshire will see the farm to fork story come to life for over 1,000 school pupils across three days in July.
My Food Plate / Fy Mhlat Bwyd is a three-day event organised by Carmarthenshire Young Farmers Club where school children will have the opportunity to learn about local food production, the importance of farming and sustaining a healthy environment. Over 1,000 primary and secondary pupils from a range of local schools will be attending the event, which is taking place at Carmarthenshire Showground between July 2-4.
The event is supported by Castell Howell Foods and Hybu Cig Cymru- Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) who will be providing interactive cooking workshops where they will be using PGI Welsh Beef, Welsh cheese and local produce to create Welsh Beef pasta bolognese. The dish is also being replicated in school dinners across the county during the same week in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.
Children will also have the opportunity to see live farm animals, farm machinery and meet local food farmers and food producers who will be able to give the children a live insight into food production in Wales.
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Esyllt Thomas, Carmarthenshire YFC’s Rural Affairs officer explained: “We're looking forward to hosting 'My Food Plate' for the first time in Carmarthenshire alongside current and former members, local businesses, and companies. The response has been incredible as we're expecting over 1000 children to attend. As a current member of the Young Farmers Club, I find it important to promote local businesses - established and new – as well as to showcase the hard work farmers do across the UK.”
Edward Morgan, ESG Manager at Castell Howell: “My Food Plate is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with HCC and engage directly with over 1000 school children. As suppliers to Carmarthenshire schools we work closely with the catering team and where possible promote Welsh ingredients and dishes. It’s great to see one of their dishes being the central food theme as this event.”
Elwen Roberts, HCC’s Consumer Executive, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to support this fantastic event and help bring the farming story to life. PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef are the cornerstone of the agriculture sector in Wales and we will be showcasing not only how they are produced sustainably, but the benefits they have in our diets.”
Carys Thomas, County Organiser for Carmarthenshire YFC added: “Carmarthenshire YFC is proud of the event ‘Fy Mhlât Bwyd’ that we are holding for Primary school aged children from Carmarthenshire. It’s important that we can show the origin of food, the importance of the countryside, farm machinery, and importantly farm safety. We hope that the children and teachers have fun but also learn the importance of our rural communities. Thank you to all who have helped the movement ensure that we can hold this event, from volunteers, members, local businesses, suppliers, and friends.”
Other organisations part-taking in the event include Gelli Aur college, NFU Cymru, Chickwood Poultry, Dyffryn Cothi Goats, Meirion Jones Sheepdog Trials, Meirion Thomas Sheepdog Trials, T Alun Jones, Carmarthenshire County Council, Tallis Amos and Y Stand Llaeth.