Twinning between schools and farms, a pilot test that ends the academic year on a very positive note
The initiative shows that the twinning of schools with farms is a powerful tool for environmental education, and for the promotion of sustainable food.
The school-farm twinning pilot project brought the 2023-2024 school year to a close on a high. The assessment by all the participants was so positive that it’s already been confirmed that the project is to continue for the next academic year, with the number of schools taking part rising from four to fifteen.
During these early stages, the project has established itself as a key initiative to introduce children from urban areas to the rural world, and at the same time to highlight the value of the work done by farmers. Strong relationships have been created between the participating schools and farms, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between the urban and rural worlds.
Furthermore, pupils have been encouraged to eat a sustainable and culturally appropriate diet. Children have learned a lot about local food production, and above all about the importance and values of healthy, environmentally friendly and socially sustainable food.
The first participants
Primary school pupils aged 7-9 studying at state schools in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, with preference being given to schools in highly complex environments. Finally, the pioneering centres that have been involved in the twinning project are Escola Marinada and Escola Mercè Rodoreda – both located in the Nou Barris district – Escola Institut Baldomer Solà and Escola La Floresta.
The participating farms are Cal Notari and Hort de l’eriçó (both in Sant Boi de Llobregat) Ortiga in La Floresta, Hort d’en Pau in Alella, and La Selvatana in Campllong.
In addition to the pupils, schools and farms, there’s a fourth ingredient essential to the success of the project – the school canteen management companies. These companies have been supported at all times, and have benefited from advice on local and seasonal food supply, so that the pupils’ experience in the field, the classroom and the canteen is linked by a single common thread: sustainable food.
Continuity and expansion
Next year, 15 schools will be taking part and collaborating in the co-creation of the programme for the upcoming academic year. Furthermore, a teaching guide has been created, which will be made available to schools to facilitate the implementation of this initiative.
The school-farm twinning project is an initiative developed by the Joint Office for Sustainable Food (OCAS) as part of the Strategic Food Plan for Catalonia 2021-2026, and the Barcelona 2030 Healthy and Sustainable Food Strategy, in collaboration with the Healthier and More Sustainable School Canteens project, the Green Schools Network, and the Network of Schools for Sustainability in Catalonia.
