In 2020 the agri-food sector in the United Kingdom accounted for a total estimated £115bn within the economy. This sector includes the technology and engineering around the farms, such as drone and tractor development, as well as the work of farms and those that create and sell food-based products. Employment in the agri-food sector grew by 0.6% over the 12-month period to the fourth quarter of 2021 to just over 4 million. Work includes developing more resistant and productive plants, creating alternative foods to meat, designing drones, operating farm machinery and planning the farm as well as manufacturing food products. In this project you will be looking to create a more sustainable farm, using technology to enhance your farm and considering other uses for your land to maintain a profit.
1. Introductory Sessions (2hrs)
Driving Question: How does a farm manage a crisis to protect the customer and the business?
Part 1: What are the key issues to deal with in the crisis?
Part 2: Solutions and Communication Plan
2. Project (20hrs)
Project Brief
Driving Question: How do we create a more sustainable farm?
Immersion Event: Farm Visit and Investigation
-Introduction to Modern Farming
-Intro to Modern Farming Teacher Notes
–Farm Visit Key Questions
Part 1: A deeper look into Agriculture and Food and the roles available
TASK: Create a report on the jobs available in the sector
-Introductory Slides
-Meet the Job videos:
iCould Education Careers Videos Types of Agricultural Careers – Guide to Careers in Agriculture
-Here are a couple of very helpful websites to research careers in the sector:
National Careers Service
Prospects
Part 2a: Sustainability in Farming
TASK: Complete a SWOT Analysis of Sustainability in Farming
–SWOT Analysis – What is SWOT? How to Do a SWOT Analysis
–SWOT Template
–What is Sustainable Agriculture?
–Sustainable Farming
–Sustainability in Farming Notes
–Sustainable Growing Techniques
–Sustainable Growing Techniques Notes
Part 2b: Technology and Automation in Farming
TASK: Improve Machinery Design
–Machinery and Technology
–Machinery and Technology Notes
–Example of Sustainable Tech video
–Case IH Launches Autonomous Tractor Pilot Program with Bolthouse Farms
–Growing plants with sound – how LettUs Grow use ultrasonics in aeroponic growing systems
–Top 10 Uses for Drones on the Farm 2022
Part 2c: Plant Diversity and Sustainability
TASK: Create a Planting Calendar and Plan
–Plants and Sustainability Video
Part 2d: Environmental Impact Assessment
TASK: Complete an Environmental Impact Assessment
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
Part 2e: Marketing, Sales and Diversification
TASK: Create a marketing strategy to increase your profits
–NFU Mutual – Diversification 2020
–Ideas for Diversification
-Ideas for Marketing
Part 3a: Plan, Design and Model
TASK: Create a plan, design and model for your farm
Final Evaluation