The Honorary President of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, met with sixth form students at Groundswell on 3 July for an inspiring conversation on the future of sustainable food and farming.

Focused on nurturing connections between young people and all aspects of sustainable farming, the initiative gave 10 students from Hertfordshire & Essex High School in Bishop's Stortford an opportunity to explore the regenerative farming festival, before participating in a discussion with Her Royal Highness on the LEAF stand.

The Duchess is a proactive advocate for engaging young people with the countryside and sustainable food systems, while raising awareness of the breadth of career opportunities across the agrifood industries.

The local sixth form students were incredibly receptive to learning about where their food comes from, how it’s produced sustainably, and how they can play a part in supporting climate positive choices and posed a series of insightful questions to learn more. Following the session, pupils shared their key takeaways from the day.

Ahmad Khan, who is studying maths, politics, economics and GPR said:
“Today has given me a much more joined up perspective of how farming can enhance biodiversity and help protect the environment. When it comes to climate change, the food choices we make every day can really add up to make a difference.”

Building on her interest in agricultural and environmental issues, student Alya Hanci explained:
“Talking to farmers and hearing from The Duchess has brought farming to life, it now feels much more real and accessible. I hadn’t realised how many diverse careers there are in food and farming or the level of innovation and technology that’s adopted to meet the challenges we face today to produce our food.”

The day is an example of LEAF’s ongoing commitment to delivering an education framework that addresses the disconnect identified between our future generations and the food supply chain. By engaging young people, from a young age, right through to when they are transitioning out of education, LEAF aim to simultaneously raise career aspirations, nurture upcoming talent, and open more doors, so they can make a valuable contribution.

LEAF chief executive, David Webster, who welcomed Her Royal Highness onto the stand, states that Groundswell provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing how food production and sustainable farming go hand in hand.

“We were honoured to be joined by The Duchess, who continues to support our work to facilitate the understanding and adoption of more sustainable farming. It is crucial that we listen to young people and help them form a deeper understanding of the links between food, farming and the environment – as well as the myriad of exciting new career opportunities within the food, farming and environmental management sectors.”