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.

Learn About Livestock 2027

After 6 successful years, Learn about Livestock is back, giving 20 schools the opportunity to participate in a hands-on experience looking after a Ewe and her lamb(s) for one school week.

The project is aimed at giving students, ranging from Early Years to Sixth Form, the chance to learn about animal husbandry and to engage schools in food and farming education.

Monday 15th March 2027 - Friday 19th March 2027

AgriFest – Grow your future

An inspiring event connecting businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk with the next generation of talent.

AgriFest brings together students, job seekers, educators, and industry professionals for a dynamic day of discovery, hands-on experiences, and real connections.

Thursday 22nd October 2026 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Wayland Show

Come and see us at one of the oldest one-day agricultural shows in the country and a great day out for all the family. With livestock competitions, horticulture and cookery displays and competitions, main ring displays, dog show, children’s rides, trade stands, a shopping village and food hall, vintage vehicles and tractors there is plenty to keep all ages entertained throughout the day!

Sunday 2nd August 2026
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Latest News

The Food Security Conference is back for 2026

Exploring one of the greatest challenges facing our future Wednesday 2 December 2026. John Innes Conference Centre, Norwich. Free to attend (includes lunch). The Food & Farming Discovery Trust is delighted to invite sixth form and college students and their teachers to attend the Food Security Conference 2026. Bringing together students, teachers, researchers, scientists, policymakers and industry professionals, this engaging one-day conference will explore one of the most importan...
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Royal Norfolk Show celebrates inspiring Women in Agriculture

The “remarkable” achievements and leadership of Women in Agriculture were celebrated at a special ceremony at the Royal Norfolk Show. This year’s event shone a spotlight on Norfolk’s female farmers during the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Working in partnership with Green Shoots Productions, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and the Food and Farming Discovery Trust created a gallery of photographic portraits and personal stories, capturin...
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Princess Royal presents young forester with prestigious environmental award

The Princess Royal today (Wednesday June 24) presented 25-year-old Holkham forester Mai Sussex with the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award. Mai met Anne, Princess Royal and the Bishop of Norwich at the Royal Norfolk Show and said she was honoured, surprised and really pleased to have won the award. She began working on the Holkham estate as a trainee forester four years ago, attracted to the role by how the estate champions sustainability. “If the...
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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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Food & Farming Discovery Trust

Promoting food, farming and countryside education in Norfolk 🚜🐑

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🌱 Back British Farming Day 🚜 Today we’re celebrating the farmers and food producers who work hard every day to produce the food we enjoy and care for our countryside. As a food and farming education charity, we believe it’s so important to help people understand where their food comes from, how it is produced, and the vital role British agriculture plays in our communities and environment. This Back British Farming Day, let’s show our support for British farming and say thank you to our farmers! 👨‍🌾🐑🐄 #BackBritishFarmingDay #BritishFarming #SupportBritishFarming #FoodEducation #FarmingEducation #ThankAFarmer
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🌱 Back British Farming Day 🚜

Today we’re celebrating the farmers and food producers who...

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🐑 Applications are now OPEN for Learn About Livestock 2027! 🎉

We’re inviting Norfolk schools...

💚 A huge thank you to @benburgessag and all their fantastic staff for supporting our charity! 🌱 We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from Ben Burgess, who are helping us to inspire the next generation and showcase the amazing opportunities available within agriculture. 👷‍♀️ They have sponsored protective clothing for our activities, helping keep our students safe while they learn and get hands-on experience. 🎓 Their team are also joining us at our careers events across Norfolk, sharing their knowledge, experience and passion for the agricultural industry with students. 🎥 And they’re supporting us with careers videos for our website, helping us highlight the huge variety of exciting and rewarding careers available in agriculture, from technical and engineering roles to machinery, business, sales and beyond. It’s fantastic to have industry partners who are so committed to supporting young people, promoting careers in agriculture and helping us build the workforce of the future. Thank you, Ben Burgess and team, for believing in what we do and for being such an important part of our work. 💚🚜 #ThankYou #BenBurgess #Agriculture #CareersInAgriculture #Norfolk #FutureOfFarming #AgriculturalCareers #YoungPeople #STEMCareers #Education #SupportingTheNextGeneration
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💚 A huge thank you to @benburgessag and all their fantastic staff for supporting our...

🍎🥕 What a fantastic time we had at @theaylshamshow ! 🌱 We loved welcoming visitors to our stand in the Learn from the Land area and getting everyone involved in this year’s British fruit and veg theme. Our game proved a big hit! 🍓🥦 Visitors had to throw different fruit and veg into hoops and decide whether each one can be grown here in the UK… or whether we need to import it from elsewhere. 🌍 There were some great guesses, plenty of competitive hoop-throwing and lots of interesting conversations about where our food comes from and what we can grow here in the UK. The Aylsham Show is such a brilliant celebration of farming, food and countryside, and we were delighted to be part of it. It’s been a highlight of the Norfolk agricultural calendar for more than 75 years, with thousands of people coming together to enjoy everything from livestock and farming to food, entertainment and family activities. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, had a go and chatted with us, we hope you had as much fun as we did! 🍏🥕🍓 #AylshamShow #LearnAboutTheLand #BritishFruitAndVeg #FoodAndFarming #WhereDoesOurFoodComeFrom #UKFarming #Norfolk #Agriculture
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🍎🥕 What a fantastic time we had at @theaylshamshow ! 🌱

We loved welcoming visitors...

🥕 Come and visit us at the Aylsham Show this Bank Holiday Monday!🍓 This year’s theme is British fruit and veg, and we’ll be getting into the spirit with a fun hoop-throwing activity! 🎯 Bring the family along and have a go, we’d love to see you there. 🍏 📍 Aylsham Show, Blickling Park, Blickling Estate, Norwich NR11 6NF 🎯 Fun for all ages #AylshamShow #BritishFruitAndVeg #FamilyFun #HoopThrowing #NorfolkEvents
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🥕 Come and visit us at the Aylsham Show this Bank Holiday Monday!🍓

This year’s...

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🥔 Happy National Potato Day! 🥔

Today, we’re celebrating one of farming’s most versatile crops!...

🎉 A Levels Results Day! 🎉 A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today! We hope you’ve got the grades you were hoping for and are excited about what comes next. 🙌 Whatever your next step, we’re here to help you discover the opportunities available to you. 🌱 At the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, we help young people learn more about food, farming, the countryside and the many careers available across these exciting industries. Not sure where to go next or what career could be right for you? Get in touch and let us know how we can help! Congratulations again, and best of luck with the next chapter! 🎓🌾 #ResultsDay #ALevelResults #Careers #FoodAndFarming #Agriculture #CountrysideCareers #YoungPeople #FutureCareers
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🎉 A Levels Results Day! 🎉

A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today!...

What a fantastic day at our 2nd Exploring Food & Farming event of 2026 🚜 A free day teaching 13-15 year olds about where their food comes from, farming and all the wonderful careers it offers. 🐑 We started the day at @easton_college with a farm tour, tractor driving and soil testing before heading up to the @norfolk_foodHall to meet @tonyperkinsinsta and his team at Tony Perkins Butchers for butchery demonstration and a chance to make some sausages.🌭 Thank you to everyone who made it possible and made it such a great day. #ExploringFood&Farming #FutureFarmers #HandsOnLearning @benburgessag
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What a fantastic day at our 2nd Exploring Food & Farming event of 2026 🚜...

Did you see us at Wayland Show on Sunday? 🐑✨ We had a wonderful day joining the wool spinners and @rbstrarebreeds, sharing the many amazing uses of British wool and celebrating this fantastic natural fibre. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, chatted with us, and shared our passion for British wool! 💚 #BritishWool #WoolCraft #SustainableFibres #WoolSpinning #WaylandShow
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Did you see us at Wayland Show on Sunday? 🐑✨

We had a wonderful day...

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Discover where your food really comes from this #Farm24 🌱🚜

At the Food & Farming...

Happy Norfolk Day! 🌾💛 From fields and thriving farms to fresh local produce and the people who grow it, Norfolk has a rich farming heritage that's worth celebrating. Our education area at the Royal Norfolk Show, shines a light on the farmers, growers and food producers who care for our countryside, nourish our communities and inspire the next generation to understand where food comes from. This years theme was Mint & Mustard, both very famous Norfolk produce. Together, let's celebrate the land, the people and the produce that make Norfolk so special. Happy Norfolk Day! 🌻 #NorfolkDay #FoodFarmingEducation #LoveNorfolk #BritishFarming #LocalFood #FromFieldToFork
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Happy Norfolk Day! 🌾💛

From fields and thriving farms to fresh local produce and the...

Our women in farming project carries on with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Associations community cube garden at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 🌸 @sandringhamflowershow @the_rhs #womeninfarming
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Our women in farming project carries on with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Associations community cube...

🌱✨ Throwback Thursday ✨🌱 Today we're looking back at some fantastic memories from our school gardens and our growing competition entries at the Royal Norfolk Show! 🌻🥕🏆 Our students worked hard to nurture their plants from seed to show, learning valuable skills in gardening, teamwork, and perseverance along the way. We were incredibly proud to see their efforts showcased at the Royal Norfolk Show. Do you recognise any of these photos or remember cheering on our young growers? We'd love to hear your favourites in the comments! 💚 #ThrowbackThursday #RoyalNorfolkShow #SchoolGardens #GrowingCompetition #OutdoorLearning
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🌱✨ Throwback Thursday ✨🌱

Today we're looking back at some fantastic memories from our school...

🚜 Are you passionate about innovation in agriculture, food production, sustainability, engineering, technology, or rural business? 👨‍🌾 We are looking for professionals, employers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to speak at our student conferences, careers events, and workshops. By sharing your experience, you can: -Inspire young people considering careers in Agri-Tech -Showcase the exciting opportunities within your sector -Highlight emerging technologies and industry trends -Explain real-world career pathways and progression routes -Help students understand the skills employers need -Build connections with future talent If you are interested in shaping the Future of Agriculture, please get in touch with us on info@ffdt.co.uk. Share your expertise, inspire future innovators, and help young people discover exciting careers in a rapidly evolving industry.
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🚜 Are you passionate about innovation in agriculture, food production, sustainability, engineering, technology, or rural...

🌾 Come and see us at the Wayland Agricultural Show on Sunday, 2nd August! The Food & Farming Discovery Trust will be there, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the show. Whether you're curious about where your food comes from, passionate about agriculture, or looking for a fun family day out, we'd love to meet you.🖐️ 📍 Wayland Agricultural Show 📅 Sunday, 2nd August We can't wait to see you there! 🌱🚜 #WaylandAgriculturalShow #FoodAndFarming #FamilyFun #Agriculture #Countryside #FoodFarmingDiscoveryTrust
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🌾 Come and see us at the Wayland Agricultural Show on Sunday, 2nd August!

The...

🚜🌾Applications are still open for our FREE Exploring Food & Farming Day on 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 butchers ✔ Making your own farm produce! Apply now 👉 Link in our bio 📍 Easton College, Norwich 📅 5th August 2026 Let’s get stuck in and discover the world of food and farming together! 🌾💚
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🚜🌾Applications are still open for our FREE Exploring Food & Farming Day on Wednesday 5th...

What an incredible @royalnorfolkshow we had last week! 🌾🎉 The Food & Farming Discovery Trust was proud to welcome thousands of young people for two inspiring days of learning, discovery and hands-on experiences. This year, we gave away over 16,000 free tickets to schools and home-educated children, helping even more young people connect with food, farming and the countryside. Our Discovery Zone was buzzing with excitement as groups enjoyed the Mint & Mustard Trail, and activities from the wonderful team at @condimentum_ltd We also had some awe-inspiring machinery on display from @benburgessag. The STEMM Village, Futures Marquee and AgriScience Marquee sparked curiosity, inspired future careers and showcased the innovation shaping the future of our young minds. We were also honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, whose visit highlighted the importance of education and inspiring the next generation. Lastly a huge thank you to all of our supporters, exhibitors, volunteers and student ambassadors. Your passion and generosity make these opportunities possible, and together we're helping to inspire tomorrow's farmers, scientists, engineers and food producers.💚🚜🌱 #RoyalNorfolkShow #FoodAndFarming #Education #STEMM #AgriScience #FutureCareers #InspiringTheNextGeneration
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What an incredible @royalnorfolkshow we had last week! 🌾🎉

The Food & Farming Discovery Trust...

We're at @groundswell_agriculture for the next two days! 📸🌾 Come and visit our Women in Agriculture Photography Studio to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Incredible women shaping the future of farming. Whether you're a farmer, grower, agronomist, researcher, or work anywhere across the agricultural industry, we'd love to capture your portrait and hear your story. Stop by, say hello, and be part of this special project. We can't wait to meet you! #Groundswell #WomenInAgriculture #Agriculture #Farming #RegenerativeAgriculture #RuralCommunities #Photography #WomenWhoFarm
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We're at @groundswell_agriculture for the next two days! 📸🌾

Come and visit our Women in...

☀️ Hot weather is forecast for this year's Royal Norfolk Show. Here is some useful information in preparation 🚜 Please remember to: 💧 Bring a refillable water bottle, free drinking water will be available at all toilet blocks and standpipes 🧴 Apply sun cream (free sun cream available at entrances thanks to the Big C Charity) 👒 Wear a hat 🌳 Make use of shaded woodland areas around the site ⌚The Royal Norfolk Show runs from 0700 hours until late evening, and visitors can plan their day flexibly and avoid the hottest periods if they wish Our experienced team, volunteer stewards, vets, and animal welfare specialists are ready to keep visitors and livestock safe throughout the Show. #YourRoyalNorfolkShow #FFDT #RNAA
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☀️ Hot weather is forecast for this year's Royal Norfolk Show. Here is some useful...

📸🌾 Celebrate Women in Agriculture at the @RoyalNorfolkShow 🌾📸 As 2026 marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we're shining a spotlight on the women who are shaping the future of farming, food production, and rural communities. Visit the exhibition or take part in our photography studio. ✨ Women in Agriculture Exhibition 📍 Third Drive ✨ Women in Agriculture Photography Studio 📍 Food & Farming Discovery Trust Lounge Avenue 18 – Stand 393 next to Green Gate #RoyalNorfolkShow #WomenInAgriculture #InternationalYearOfTheWomanFarmer #Farming #Agriculture #WomenInFarming #Norfolk #FoodAndFarming #RuralLife #PhotographyExhibition RoyalNorfolkShow2026
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📸🌾 Celebrate Women in Agriculture at the @RoyalNorfolkShow 🌾📸

As 2026 marks the International Year...