Northamptonshire farmer says we rely too much on 'ultra processed food'
Milly Fyfe has made the comments as she launches her free farm school for children at her Yelvertoft farm.
A Northamptonshire Farmer says we have too much of a reliance on ultra processed food as she launches a new farm school.
Milly Fyfe is launching The Countryside Kitchen, a free field to fork classroom on a farm in Yelvertoft aimed at primary school children. Milly says they hope to reconnect people with food, farming, and nature while improving health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Her school has support from chef Raymond Blanc, farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty, Daventry MP Stuart Andrew, and Baroness Minette Batters, former NFU President and Chair of the Farm Profitability Review.
Milly says she hopes it helps young children to connect with where there food comes from:
"There is a rising pressure on the NHS. There's an obesity crisis and we've got such a reliance on ultra processed food and it's going back to basics.
"Also within schools, there's not so much food, economics, home economics, food science and really, we're collaborating with a number of different organisations and we're able to really provide meaningful education linked to the curriculum, but in a in a different environment from your average school classroom."
The project has been two years in the planning and Milly hopes the setting on a working farm will give children an insight into food production and get them thinking about a future in agriculture:
"Farming relies on very few people these days, but we're quite an automated process now and not as many people are aware of how food is produced. And so I think it's hugely important that children are aware of of the process, not only from a kind of understanding, but also they might be inspired to have a career in agricultural food production one day."
Raymond Blanc OBE shared:
"The Countryside Kitchen is an inspiring venture that aligns perfectly with our shared vision of reconnecting people with the land, the food they eat, and the importance of seasonality. As someone who has championed sustainable British food and farming for years, I wholeheartedly support this project’s mission. By providing hands-on experiences, the Countryside Kitchen equips participants—young and old—with invaluable skills in growing, cooking, and understanding the food they eat. This is a powerful model for improving health, supporting local agriculture, and deepening community bonds. The impact of such an initiative will be felt for generations to come."
Baroness Minette Batters, former NFU President and Chair of the Farm Profitability Review, added:
“The Countryside Kitchen is a brilliant example of what’s possible when farming, food education, and community wellbeing come together. At a time when the future profitability and sustainability of UK agriculture is under review, initiatives like this are vital in reconnecting people with the land, with food, and with the values of home-grown produce. Milly Fyfe’s commitment to educating the next generation, while supporting family farms and rural livelihoods, shows the power of grassroots innovation. I am proud to support The Countryside Kitchen as a model of what can be achieved when we invest in people, skills, and a more resilient food system.”
Jimmy Doherty, farmer and television presenter, commented:
"As a farmer and passionate advocate for food education, I’m excited to support The Countryside Kitchen. Teaching people, especially children, where food comes from and how to prepare it is crucial for nurturing a better connection with the land and encouraging healthy eating habits. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC is doing fantastic work by creating a space where families can learn essential skills in a hands-on environment. Initiatives like this are vital for building sustainable food systems and helping communities thrive."
The Countryside Kitchen is supported by grants for schools, and Milly hopes it will grow to be able to accommodate other school groups like Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Beavers and then and adults as well in future.