Pupils enjoy the fruits of their labour [irishexaminer.com]
- Published: 26 June 2009
PRIMARY school children who planted seeds in their classrooms last February yesterday enjoyed the fruits of their labour.
The pupils grew a selection of potatoes, lettuce, cabbages, scallions and strawberries, and by doing so, learned a valuable lesson about the source of the food.
The green shoots of Ireland's farming future gathered at University College Dublin for the final of Agri Aware's Incredible Edibles growing challenge.
The 10 finalists relayed the highlights of their farming quest with poetry, drama and a host of other activities, including a mini-election.
Almost 1,300 growing diaries and scrapbooks documented the nutritional and horticultural knowledge gained by the children.
More than 100,000 pupils in 2,200 schools took part in the adventure which started with the sowing back in February and continued to the harvesting this month.
But only 10 schools were shortlisted for the final which had prizes of more than €10,000 in educational funds.
Horticulture and Food Minister Trevor Sargent, who announced the winners, said two in three of all primary schools in the country now have a greater appreciation of growing food.
"Just like real farming there were difficulties along the way ; some plants produced more than others, some died for no obvious reason.
"But this wasn't going to hold the children back. Having read their scrapbooks I know many of their teachers decided to replace those dead plants with new plants so their adventure could continue," Mr Sargent said.
Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said the future is very promising for farming and food.
The pupils had illustrated the hard work and pride the sector takes in providing quality Irish fruit and vegetables to consumers nationwide, she said.
Incredible Edibles committee chairman, Mike Neary, said the pupils have gained knowledge about the growing of produce, the role the grower plays in its production and most importantly the part it plays in a healthy, balanced diet.
Winners and Runners-up
- Munster: St Mary's Convent, Nenagh, Co Tipperary; (Glanworth NS, Co Cork).
- Connacht/Ulster: Niall Mór NS, Killybegs, Co Donegal; (St Brighde Naofa, Kinvara, Co Galway).
- Dublin: Pope John Paul II NS, Sea Road, Malahide; (Stanhope Primary School, Manor Street).
- Rest of Leinster: Sacred Heart, Portlaoise, Co Laois; (Rathfeigh NS, Tara, Co Meath).
- Special Needs: St Christopher's Special School, Battery Road, Co Longford; (Scoil An Chlochair, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath).
