Where Curiosity Leads

Follow the projects that spark innovation and discovery.

Explore the latest news and events happening across our community.

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Where Knowledge Grows

Creating a brighter future through food, farming, and countryside education.

Join us in inspiring the next generation to learn, explore, and discover the vital role of agriculture, food production, and land-based industries.

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Where Futures Begin

Step into a world of possibility and purpose. Explore career prospects that help build the future of food, farming and countryside management.

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Food & Farming Discovery Trust

What is the FFDT?

Formed in 2016 by a collective of individuals and organisations passionate about food, farming, and the countryside, the Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT) is a charity dedicated to education with impact and legacy.

Based in the East of England, we deliver collaborative projects, resources, and events that:

  • Deepen understanding of agriculture and food production.
  • Showcase the role of innovation, STEMM research, and agri-tech.
  • Highlight diverse career pathways in land-based industries.

Our vision is to connect people—especially young people—to the countryside, helping them appreciate where food comes from, how it’s produced, and why it matters.

Find out more

Our Pillars

Awareness

Improve understanding and awareness of farming, food production and land based industries in a changing world, particularly among young people.

Engagement

Give young people exposure to different stages of food production, including current STEMM research and innovation.

Information

Inform young people about, and engage them with, agritech and land based careers.

Our Partners

Our Projects

We’re proud to be delivering educational initiatives that inspire curiosity, spark discussion, and open doors to future careers.

Learn about Livestock 2026

Applications are now open for Learn about Livestock 2026! After 5 successful years, Learn about Livestock is back, giving 20 schools the opportunit...

Agritech careers for a sustainable future 2025

Could you be part of the Global Agricultural Revolution? With a changing climate and rising population, improvements to sustainable agriculture are...
Find out more

Career Prospects

The food and farming sector is one of the UK’s largest industries, offering an incredible variety of roles. Whether your passion is science, technology, engineering, business, or the natural environment, there’s a path for you.

Explore Career Prospects

Discover jobs in farming, food production, agri-tech, and land-based industries.

Education & Training

Find routes into the sector, from apprenticeships to higher education.

What's On

Stay connected with our upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities. Whether at schools, agricultural shows, or community days, we’re creating spaces where knowledge grows.

Flock at the Food Hall

We’re excited to announce a brand new event at the Norfolk Food Hall as part of our Learn About Livestock project!
Join us over the Easter Holidays on Tuesday 31st March to meet ewes and lambs, watch wool spinners and crafts in action, and get hands-on with games and competitions. Plus, enjoy the chance to shop and dine at the wonderful Food Hall while you’re here.
Fun, educational, and perfect for the whole family. See ewe there!
Tuesday 31st March 2026

Agriculture Unlocked – Thetford Academy

A day for schools and sixth forms to learn all things food and farming. Tractors, talks, livestock and career opportunities all taken directly into the school settings.

Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Aylsham Agriculture Show 2026

Join us at the 78th Aylsham Show is on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2026. Please come and enjoy the Family Fun, Entertainment, Food, Livestock and Farming, and the Trade and Market Lane Stands, for a great family and dog friendly day out.

Monday 31st August 2026
View ALL events

Latest News

Inspiring Future Careers in Agritech

The future of agriculture depends on innovation — and on the people who will drive it. Agritech Careers for a Sustainable Future, part of the John Innes Foundation’s Education Programme, is designed to help young people discover the wide range of opportunities available in this fast-evolving sector. Delivered in partnership with the John Innes Centre, the SAW Trust and the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, the programme brings together science, technology and real-world...
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Learn About Livestock scheme brings lambs to Norfolk schools

Children have been caring for spring lambs at their schools this week as part of a “hands on” farming education initiative. The Learn About Livestock project is run by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the educational arm of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA). Schools were given the necessary equipment, food, training and professional support to enjoy an eye-opening, hands-on experience looking after ewes and their lambs for a week. They...
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Make Your Mark: Apply for the Bishop’s Award 2026 Today

Applications are open for the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award 2026 A £1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of this prestigious accolade, recognising employees and apprentices under the age of 30 who are working in Norfolk’s land-based sector. The award aims to highlight career opportunities within the land-based environment and to strengthen the winner’s CV and future career prospects. The £1000 cash prize will be awarded to an individua...
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Exploring Food & Farming, A Hands-On Farm Adventure for 2026!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and step into the wonderful world of food and farming! In 2026, we’re bringing back our much-loved Exploring Food & Farming experience, with two exciting dates! 📅 Wednesday 27th May 2026🍦 Featuring a visit to a local ice cream parlour 📅 Wednesday 5th August 2026🥩 Featuring a visit to a local butchers Both action-packed days will start and finish at:Easton College, Bawburgh Road, Easton, Norwich, NR9 5DUArrival: 9:00 am (9:15 am start)Collecti...
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AgriTech Careers for a Sustainable Future 2026

Could you be part of the Global Agricultural Revolution? With a changing climate and rising population, improvements to sustainable agriculture are vital to ensuring global food security for the future. Scientists, engineers, bioinformaticians and agronomists are leading the way in this creative and challenging field. Do you have the interest, ability and passion to be part of this pioneering work? AgriTech combines science, technology and engineering to generate innovative ideas to help s...
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Bursary pays farming university degree course fees

Farm students are invited to apply for a bursary worth more than £27,000 to help fund their course. The John Innes Foundation (JIF) Undergraduate Bursary Award Scheme supports one UK student per year from a non-farming background undertaking a three- or four-year course in agriculture, crop production or environmental science. This opportunity provides not only a bursary to cover course fees, but also mentoring from Keith Norman, JIF Trustee, farming consultant and former director at Velco...
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Food & Farming Discovery Trust

Promoting food, farming and countryside education in Norfolk 🚜🐑

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🌾Exploring Food & Farming Days on Wednesday 27th May and Wednesday 5th August 2026!

These...

🌾Exploring Food & Farming Days on Wednesday 27th May and Wednesday 5th August 2026! These hands-on experiences give 13–15-year-olds the chance to explore where food comes from. From tractors and soil to livestock and local produce. It’s a full day of fun, learning and real farm activities designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. 🐄Highlights include: Tractor driving Soil health exploration Livestock handling Guided farm tours Visiting a butcher or ice-cream parlour Making your own farm produce! Apply now, links in our bio! 📍Easton College, Norwich 27th May and the 5th August 2026 Let’s get stuck in and discover the world of food and farming together!
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🌾Exploring Food & Farming Days on Wednesday 27th May and Wednesday 5th August 2026!

These...

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to visit our flock at the Foodhall event 🐑✨ We loved meeting you all and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Now for our competition results… Competition 1 – Guess Clover’s Weight Our lovely rare breed ewe Clover weighed in at 79.75kg! The two closest guesses have been contacted and each wins a £20 Foodhall voucher 🎉 Competition 2 – Name Clover’s Lamb After our social media name suggestions, three names were chosen at random: Lambretta, Fable, and Crumpet. You all cast your votes, and the winning name is… Crumpet! 🐏💛 Thank you again to everyone who took part, we can’t wait to see you at our next event! #Learnaboutlivestock #Flockatthefoodhall #Rarebreeds #Competitionwinners
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Thank you so much to everyone who came along to visit our flock at the...

What an incredible day yesterday at the @norfolk_foodhall 🐑✨ In partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, we were delighted to bring you 'Flock at the Food Hall', a free event for the public. Visitors had the chance to meet our rare breed ewes and lambs up close, making it a truly special experience for all ages. From guessing the weight of our ewe Clover, to voting for the name of her newest lamb, there was plenty to get involved in! The grand ring was buzzing with excitement during hands-on halter training sessions, while talented wool spinners and textile artists showcased the beauty and versatility of wool. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and took part, and also to our wonderful exhibitors who made the day so memorable. #LearnAboutLivestock #RareBreeds #NorfolkFarming #WoolCraft
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What an incredible day yesterday at the @norfolk_foodhall 🐑✨

In partnership with the Royal Norfolk...

🐏 We’re delighted to see so many of you already booking educational tickets for the Royal Norfolk Show it’s fantastic to have such a great response! 🌱 Just a reminder that entries are still open for our two exciting school competitions taking place, a brilliant opportunity for young green-fingered talents to shine! 🌸 Schools Themed Garden Competition 🌸 Design and build a themed garden that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness. These living classrooms will be judged on design, planting, and interpretation, a joyful glimpse into the next generation of horticultural talent. 🥕 NEW FOR 2026: School Growing Competition 🥕 From seed to spectacular! Celebrate seasonal growing, sustainability, and hands-on learning as your school cultivates vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Present your harvest with flair in imaginative displays that tell your growing story. ✨ Both competitions are open to all primary and secondary school abilities. 👉 Visit the link in our bio to register your school. #RoyalNorfolkShow #NorfolkSchools #YoungGrowers #Horticulture #Sustainability #Teamwork #GrowingTogether
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🐏 We’re delighted to see so many of you already booking educational tickets for the...

🐏Our Learn About Livestock Week is in full swing! We’ve been out visiting the schools taking part, giving their students a hands-on, up-close experience with farm life. 🐑 It’s been fantastic to see so much curiosity, excitement, and great questions from the children as they learn where their food comes from and how we care for our animals. More visits to come, stay tuned! 🚜 @clantrustnorfolk @rbst_east_anglia_support_group #LearnaboutLivestock #LAL #Rarebreeds #Handsonlearning
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🐏Our Learn About Livestock Week is in full swing!

We’ve been out visiting the schools...

🌱 What an inspiring day at the @johninnescentre🥕 Today, we welcomed enthusiastic Sixth Form and College science students from across Norfolk for our AgriTech Careers experience day. From robotics and precision agriculture to sustainable energy, environmental science, genetics, human nutrition, functional foods, pharmaceuticals and synthetic biology, students explored just how diverse and impactful agri‑tech careers can be. Through hands‑on sessions, lab tours and conversations with world‑leading researchers and industry experts, they saw how specialists collaborate to create sustainable solutions for global challenges. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, the curiosity, questions and ambition from these young scientists made the day very special. The future of agricultural innovation is looking bright. #AgriTech #AgriTechCareers #SustainableFutures #AgriculturalRevolution
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🌱 What an inspiring day at the @johninnescentre🥕

Today, we welcomed enthusiastic Sixth Form and...

🌾HOME EDUCATION & SCHOOL TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE!🐄 Give your students the opportunity to learn more about food, farming and the countryside in Norfolk! Get your FREE tickets to the 2026 @royalnorfolkshow The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association & offers FREE admission for school groups and home educated children (including teachers/helpers/adults within allowed ratios). Visit the link in our bio to book your tickets #NorfolkShow2026 #RuralEducation #EducationMatters
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🌾HOME EDUCATION & SCHOOL TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE!🐄

Give your students the opportunity to learn...

🌿✨ Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award! ✨🌿 Are you (or do you know) an inspiring young professional under 30 working in Norfolk’s land-based sector? This prestigious award celebrates the rising stars shaping the future of our countryside and comes with a £1,000 cash prize to support training and professional development. 🏆 The winner will also receive two tickets to the @royalnorfolkshow, where they’ll be presented with their award by the Bishop of Norwich, on Thursday 25 June 2026. 🌱 Who can apply? Employees and apprentices under 30 working in: • Land management • Conservation • Countryside management • Ecology • Climate change management • Forestry management • Horticulture Delivered in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, this award shines a spotlight on young people making a real difference to biodiversity, natural capital, and sustainable land use. 🌟 Previous winner Tom Ewin impressed judges with his leadership in deer management initiatives and his work supporting the UK’s largest deer drone survey bringing farmers, conservationists and landowners together to tackle real environmental challenges. As Bishop Graham said, winners like Tom give “great hope for the future”, balancing food production, conservation and care for creation. 📩 How to apply Submit: ✔️ A letter of recommendation from your employer ✔️ A homemade video (max 5 minutes) introducing yourself, your role, your environmental passion, and how you’re making a difference 🗓 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 📧 Email: info@ffdt.co.uk (videos via WeTransfer) If you’re passionate about land, nature, and building a sustainable future this is your moment. 🌍💚 Apply now or tag someone who should!
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🌿✨ Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee...

🐑 A fantastic afternoon hosting the teachers from the 20 lucky schools picked for the annual Learn About Livestock briefing! 🚜 A big thank you to the sheep lenders, @threeriverschapelfieldfarmvet and the @rbstrarebreeds for sharing their expertise. We can’t wait to see these teachers lead their pupils into the 2026 Learn About Livestock event! With support from farmers, veterinary professionals, and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, attendees gained the knowledge and confidence they needed to take part in the 2026 programme starting in a few weeks time. Pupils taking part in Learn About Livestock will spend a full week caring for their sheep, learning how to feed, water, and check them each day, understanding behaviour and welfare, and discovering how farmers, vets, and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust work together to protect our livestock. It’s a brilliant chance for young people to build confidence, teamwork, and real‑world knowledge about food, farming, and the importance of rare breeds. #LearnAboutLivestock #NorfolkLambs #HandsOnLearning
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🐑 A fantastic afternoon hosting the teachers from the 20 lucky schools picked for the...

Yesterday we had an amazing time at the @norwichsciencefestival with our mobile classroom! 🚐🔬 We spent the day teaching young people (and their grown-ups!) about the fascinating research of Dr Tim Spector and why aiming for 30 different plant varieties each week can make such a powerful difference to our gut health. From beans and berries to herbs, nuts and wholegrains, it’s all about diversity, the more variety we feed our gut microbes, the happier and healthier they are! 🌱🫘🍓 It was fantastic to see so many curious minds asking brilliant questions and discovering how small changes to our plates can have a big impact on long-term health. Thanks to everyone who came along to learn and explore with us. Norwich, you were amazing! 🙌
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Yesterday we had an amazing time at the @norwichsciencefestival with our mobile classroom! 🚐🔬

We...

🥞 Pancake Day is just around the corner! This year, why not make your pancakes extra special by choosing locally produced ingredients? 🧑‍🌾🌾 Buying local eggs, milk and flour supports our farmers, strengthens our community, and helps build a more sustainable food system for everyone. Top it with seasonal fruits, local honey or homemade preserves for a truly delicious difference 🍯 Share your favourite pancake recipes with us below and let’s celebrate good food that does good! #PancakeDay #BuyLocal #SupportFarmers #GoodFoodForAll #NorfolkFood #FarmToTable #EatLocal #LocalProduce #Foodie #Pancakes #BreakfastLovers #SustainableEating #NorfolkLife #Foodstagram #InstaFood #SeasonalEating #SupportLocal #FoodPhotography #Homemade #CommunityMatters
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🥞 Pancake Day is just around the corner!

This year, why not make your pancakes...

🌾Amazing to see a team of students from @easton_college representing the UK at AgroChallenge 2026!🚜 This year's challenge will take place between Easton College and the Norfolk Showground in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association! Come and see some of the events taking place at the @royalnorfolkshow on the 24th and 25th June.
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🌾Amazing to see a team of students from @easton_college representing the UK at AgroChallenge 2026!🚜...

🚜Great to attend the Norfolk Farming Conference yesterday🌾 It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, industry experts, and partners from across the region. There were insightful discussions around the future of farming, innovation, sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for our sector. Thank you to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and speakers for such a well-run and informative event. @norfolkshowground #NorfolkFarmingConference #NorfolkFarming #Agriculture #FarmingConference #RuralBusiness
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🚜Great to attend the Norfolk Farming Conference yesterday🌾

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect...

🐑We’re excited to announce a brand new event at the @norfolk_foodhall as part of our @learn_about_livestock project! Join us over the Easter Holidays on Tuesday 31st March to meet ewes and lambs, watch wool spinners and crafts in action, and get hands-on with games and competitions. Plus, enjoy the chance to shop and dine at the wonderful Food Hall while you’re here. Fun, educational, and perfect for the whole family. See ewe there! 🐑 #easterevents #norfolkevents #lambs #norfolklambs #ewes
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🐑We’re excited to announce a brand new event at the @norfolk_foodhall as part of our...

🚜🌾We’re excited to announce that applications are officially open for our Exploring Food & Farming Days on Wednesday 27th May and Wednesday 5th August 2026! 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 This hands-on experience gives 13–15-year-olds the chance to explore where food comes from. From tractors and soil to livestock and local produce 🐄🌱🍞. It’s a full day of fun, learning and real farm activities designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. ✨ Highlights include: ✔ Tractor driving ✔ Soil health exploration ✔ Livestock handling ✔ Guided farm tours ✔ Visiting a butcher or ice-cream parlour ✔ Making your own farm produce! Apply now 👉 Link in our bio 📍 @easton_college , Norwich 📅 27th May and the 5th August 2026 Let’s get stuck in and discover the world of food and farming together! 🌾💚
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🚜🌾We’re excited to announce that applications are officially open for our Exploring Food & Farming...

🐑✨ Learn about Livestock Lamb watch ✨🐑 The nursery is officially open, and our first rare breed lambs of the season have arrived! Tiny hooves, wobbly legs and maximum cuteness levels are now in full operation. More fluffy arrivals expected… stay tuned for the chaos, the cuddles and the very enthusiastic bleating. Spring is on the horizon 💛 #lambs #norfolklambs #rarebreedlambs
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🐑✨ Learn about Livestock Lamb watch ✨🐑

The nursery is officially open, and our first...

🌿Calling all Schools! 🌿 We’re thrilled to announce two exciting school competitions for this year’s Royal Norfolk Show on 24th and 25th June, a chance for young green-fingered talents to shine! 🌱 🌸Schools Themed Garden Competition🌸 Design and build a themed garden that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness. These living classrooms will be judged on design, planting, and interpretation, offering a joyful glimpse into the next generation of horticultural talent. 🥕 NEW FOR 2026 School Growing Competition🥕 From seed to spectacular! Celebrate seasonal growing, sustainability, and hands-on learning as your school cultivates vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Present your harvest with flair in imaginative displays that tell your growing story. ✨ Both competitions are open to all primary and secondary schools abilities. 👉 Visit the link in the Bio to register your school today. #RoyalNorfolkShow #NorfolkSchools #YoungGrowers #Horticulture #Sustainability #Teamwork #GrowingTogether
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🌿Calling all Schools! 🌿

We’re thrilled to announce two exciting school competitions for this year’s...

⭐ Happy New Year ⭐ As another year comes to a close, we review our achievements for 2025, taking pride in the meaningful difference our work has made. This year, our programs and partnerships have positively impacted 21,500 young people from early years to sixth form, providing them with vital opportunities to learn and discover the world of food, farming and the countryside. This success reflects not only the dedication of our team but also our supporters who have generously funded our work this year. As we enter 2026 and look ahead, our focus turns to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead with our upcoming spring events. We will be exhibiting at the Norwich Science Festival in February, working alongside 50 year 12 students at Agritech for Careers in March as well as kickstarting our 6th Learn About Livestock week. An initiative that will see us visiting 20 more schools and colleges. Once again, a big thank you to our partners and sponsors for 2025, we look forward to making 2026 an even more successful year.
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⭐ Happy New Year ⭐

As another year comes to a close, we review our...

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from the Food and Farming Discovery Trust ✨🎄 As we gather around the table, let’s take a moment to be thankful for the food we share and enjoy from farm to fork 🥔🌾🚜 Wishing you a warm, joyful Christmas filled with good food, gratitude, and togetherness. ❤️🍽️ #MerryChristmas #SeasonOfThanks #ThankAFarmer #FarmersFeedTheNation #FromFarmToFork #FoodAndFarming #DiscoverFarming #SupportOurFarmers #ChristmasGratitude #FoodOnOurTable
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🎄✨ Merry Christmas from the Food and Farming Discovery Trust ✨🎄

As we gather around...