Four out of ten teenagers feel that their generation should be much more interested in where their food comes from, according to a new study funded by Rothamsted Research.

And over a third of them strongly believe science and innovation are the key to a sustainable future for farming.

Timed to coincide with World Food Day and its theme of ‘Our Actions are our Future’, the wide-ranging study looked at what teenagers know or feel about what they eat and the industries that create it.

Professor Angela Karp, Director for Science Innovation, Engagement and Partnerships said she hoped the outcomes of the research will help shape new strategies and priorities for the food and farming sectors to more effectively connect with young people.

“Today’s teenagers are the farmers, consumers – and scientists – of tomorrow, and what they think about farming will have a huge impact on the wider industry over the coming years, including implications for the future of research institutions such as Rothamsted.

“This research will allow Rothamsted and other organisations in the agricultural sector improve the ways they engage with young people about where food comes from and how it is produced.”

Results of the survey were revealed during the one-day LEAF Education conference ‘Engaging Teenagers with Farming’, which attracted UK & Irish delegates from across the farming, food and education sectors.

The twelve-month research programme, commissioned by LEAF Education, comprised a survey of over 1,000 12 to 18-year olds in the UK and interviews with 60 teenagers at a ‘Teenager Empowerment’ event last month
 

The key findings included:

• 87% agreed that young people should be more interested in how food is produced and where food comes from, with 41% firmly believing it.
• 75% think that science and innovation will underpin a sustainable future for farming, with 35% strongly believing this.
• 35% of young people would consider a career in food and farming, but only 22% have received relevant careers information.
• 65% would look online and 20% on social media to find out more about farming.
• 42% said that short (30 second) videos were the preferred choice for content.

Following the outcomes of the research programme, a new road-map for teenager outreach is being drawn up by LEAF Education in consultation with the agri-food industry.

Carl Edwards, Director, LEAF Education said: “Engaging young people in farming and food production is vital to the future of the agricultural industry as well as for their own health and wellbeing.  We know that strengthening connection can help promote healthier lifestyles and nurture a lifelong interest in the natural world, helping to build a sense of their own personal responsibility in protecting it.”

More information on the findings and the conference can be found here.