Farm Project For Foster Children | FCA Fostering News

March 05, 2008

Foster children from inner city Birmingham visited Treberfedd Farm in Lampeter, West Wales last month, to take part in an education project designed to highlight the benefits of organic farming, in line with the Government agenda – Every Child Matters.

Entitled “The Organics of Farming” the project which was organised in conjunction with Foster Care Associates (FCA), provided a hands on approach to organic food production from feeding and rearing of cattle, sheep and pigs to growing and harvesting of crops. The youngsters gained first hand experience of food production as well as exploring the natural environment.

Manager at the 67 acre farm at Treberfedd, Jack Cockburn believes the project offers a stimulating environment for children and young people to appreciate the benefits of rural living and the great outdoors.

“Children come from all parts of the country come to visit our working organic facility. They are able to gain a better understanding of the food chain process and enjoy the many facilities we have on site,” Jack said.

“Our recent project with FCA provided a practical approach to introducing the environment to the lives of children and young people whose experience of the natural world is sometimes limited.”

The group of foster children also visited Blaencamel organic vegetable farm, near Cilcennin where they enjoyed a farm tour courtesy of farmer Ann Evans. The young people tasted organic salad leaves, pulled up turnips and collected leeks and potatoes for their evening meal which they cooked and served to their foster carers back at Treberfedd Farm. The culinary experience included organic leek and potato soup with the vegetables from Blaencamel and, lasagne made from organic beef from Treberfedd.

‘The Organics of Farming’ project was organised by Mandy Oliver of FCA in conjunction with Jack Cockburn: Commenting Mandy said: “The Children and young people have had a fabulous time. They have gained a huge amount of knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, how food is produced and enjoyed exploring the beautiful countryside of Ceredigion.”

For further information on Treberfedd Farm and the facilities it offers visit the website www.treberfedd.co.uk