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.

Royal Norfolk Show 2026

Come and join us at the Royal Norfolk Show in the Discovery Zone and STEMM Village. Free Tickets are available for schools and home-educated students.

Wednesday 24th June 2026 - Thursday 25th June 2026

Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday is a great opportunity to connect farmers and the public to discover the crucial work farmers do producing food, nurturing nature, and protecting the environment for future generations.

Sunday 7th June 2026

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
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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☀️ 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...

🌾🎉 The countdown is on! Next week, we’re delighted to welcome more than 15,000 school pupils and home-educated children to the Royal Norfolk Show as part of the educational programme delivered by The Food & Farming Discovery Trust, the educational arm of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. We can’t wait to share this year’s Discovery Zone and STEMM Village with visitors. Inspired by our 2026 theme, Mint & Mustard, these exciting areas are packed with opportunities to explore, discover, and be inspired. 🔍 Discovery Zone The hub of interactive learning for young people, bringing food, farming, and the countryside to life through hands-on experiences and engaging activities. 👩‍⚕️STEMM Village Showcasing cutting-edge innovation, careers, and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine. 🚜 Agriculture in Action Area See farming through the ages with interactive displays of agricultural machinery from the past, present, and future. Whether you're visiting with a school group or family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. 📚 Be sure to visit our Education page on the Royal Norfolk Show website and download our Activities Booklet to discover the best places to explore with children at this year’s Show. Join us for an inspiring, educational day celebrating food, farming, innovation, and the countryside. We look forward to seeing you there! #RoyalNorfolkShow #FoodAndFarmingDiscoveryTrust #CultureAndCollaboaration #DiscoveryZone #STEMMVillage #AgricultureInAction #MintAndMustard #EducationThroughExperience #FoodFarmingFuture #RoyalNorfolkShow2026
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🌾🎉 The countdown is on!

Next week, we’re delighted to welcome more than 15,000 school...

🎟️ Free Royal Norfolk Show Tickets for Home Educated Families! Did you know that free tickets are still available for home educated families to attend the upcoming Royal Norfolk Show? This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a day packed with agriculture, livestock, food, countryside activities, education, and entertainment for all ages. It's a great chance for children to learn outside and experience one of the UK's largest agricultural shows. For more information and to apply for tickets, visit the education page on the official show Royal Norfolk Show website #RoyalNorfolkShow #HomeEducation #HomeEducators #LearningOutside #FamilyDayOut #Norfolk #Agriculture #EducationThroughExperience 🚜🌾🐄📚
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🎟️ Free Royal Norfolk Show Tickets for Home Educated Families!

Did you know that free...

🌾🐄 What a fantastic day we had at Open Farm Sunday last weekend at @oldhallfarm We loved welcoming so many families to this great farm and sharing a hands-on taste of traditional dairy farming. Visitors had the chance to learn how butter is made from cream, getting stuck in with the churning process and discovering just how simple and fun it can be. The best part? Everyone got to take home their very own handmade butter to enjoy! A huge thank you to everyone who came along, asked questions, got involved, and helped make the day such a success. We had so much fun sharing our passion for farming and food production with you all. #OpenFarmSunday #OldHallFarm #FarmLife #FamilyFun #DairyFarming #ButterMaking #ConnectingWithFarming 🧈🚜💚
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🌾🐄 What a fantastic day we had at Open Farm Sunday last weekend at @oldhallfarm...

📒 Calling all careers advisors! 📒 Walk the Careers Trail at this year's Royal Norfolk Show a self-guided route visiting exhibitors who are eager to share more about their business and the career opportunities they offer. Meet employers face to face, explore their industries, roles, and recruitment pathways all in one place. It's a fantastic way to build your employer knowledge and strengthen the advice you give to young people. Download the trail from the education page of the Royal Norfolk Show's website. @tiahnews #CareersAdvisors #RoyalNorfolkShow #EmployerEngagement #Careers
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📒 Calling all careers advisors! 📒

Walk the Careers Trail at this year's Royal Norfolk...

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🐮🍭Get ready for the ultimate family day out!

The Royal Norfolk Show is back, bringing...

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🌿 Open Farm Sunday is almost here! 🌿 We're looking forward to joining the team at @oldhallfarm this Sunday 7th June for a fantastic day celebrating farming, food, and the countryside. Be sure to stop by and have a go at our butter-making activity. A fun, hands-on experience where you can discover how cream is transformed into butter and enjoy a taste of your hard work at the end! 🧈✨ Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or simply curious about life on the farm, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We can't wait to see you there! 💛 #OpenFarmSunday #OldHallFarm #FarmingForAll #ButterMaking #DiscoverFarming #FarmDayOut
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🌿 Open Farm Sunday is almost here! 🌿

We're looking forward to joining the team...

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The Royal Norfolk Show has always been a celebration of the people, places and traditions...

🌿✨ Final call, applications for the 2026 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award close this Friday at 5pm! ✨🌿 Do you know an inspiring young professional under 30 working in Norfolk’s land-based sector? This prestigious award recognises the rising stars helping shape the future of our countryside and includes a £1,000 cash prize to support training and professional development. 🏆 The winner will also receive two tickets to the @royalnorfolkshow, where they will 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. Don’t miss out, applications close this Friday at 5pm. Visit www.ffdt.co.uk for more information.
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🌿✨ Final call, applications for the 2026 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of...

🌱 EXHIBITORS INVITATION: Join the Agricultural Careers Trail at the Royal Norfolk Show 2026 🌱 Help inspire the next generation while showcasing your sector to key career influencers. Together with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, and in partnership with @tiahnews, we are bringing together employers and industry representatives to highlight the wide range of careers across agriculture, horticulture, and allied industries. 🚶‍♂️ The Careers Trail will be a free-roaming, mapped experience connecting teachers, advisors, parents, and guardians directly with exhibitors like you. How you can get involved: 🔹 Represent – Have someone on your stand ready to answer simple careers and labour market questions 🔹 Inform – Share accessible careers info via printed materials or QR codes 🔹 Inspire – Deliver a short 10–15 minute talk in the Futures Marquee 🔹 Support – Pledge support for local schools and colleges (work experience, talks, careers fairs) Your involvement will play a vital role in inspiring future talent and showcasing the breadth of opportunities in the sector. 👉 Be part of it. Inspire futures. Grow the industry. Link in our Bio.
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🌱 EXHIBITORS INVITATION: Join the Agricultural Careers Trail at the Royal Norfolk Show 2026 🌱...

🌾FREE SCHOOL TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 🐄 🎟️LAST WEEK TO BOOK SCHOOLS TICKETS!🎟️ Give your students the opportunity to learn more about food, farming and the countryside in Norfolk! 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 #RoyalNorfolkShow #FFDT
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🌾FREE SCHOOL TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 🐄

🎟️LAST WEEK TO BOOK SCHOOLS TICKETS!🎟️...

We’re excited to share that we’ll be at @oldhallfarm for Open Farm Sunday this year on Sunday 7th June! 🌿🐄 Come along and join us for a hands-on butter making experience, perfect for all ages. It’s a great chance to learn something new, get a little messy, and taste the results! We’d love to see you there, bring your friends and family for a fun day on the farm. 💛 📸 @bethanyatkinson_photography #OpenFarmSunday #OldHallFarm #Buttermaking #FarmFun
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We’re excited to share that we’ll be at @oldhallfarm for Open Farm Sunday this year...

🌍🌱 Happy Earth Day! 🌱🌍 Today we celebrate the planet that feeds us, sustains us, and connects us all. At the Food & Farming Discovery Trust, we’re proud to help people of all ages learn where food comes from, how farming supports our communities, and why caring for the land matters for future generations. From healthy soils and thriving wildlife to sustainable farming and fresh local produce, every small action can make a big difference. This Earth Day, let’s grow knowledge, nurture nature, and protect our precious planet together. 💚 #EarthDay #SustainableFarming #FoodEducation #ProtectOurPlanet #FutureGenerations
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🌍🌱 Happy Earth Day! 🌱🌍

Today we celebrate the planet that feeds us, sustains us,...

🌾FREE SCHOOL TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 🐄 🎟️2 WEEKS LEFT TO BOOK!🎟️ Give your students the opportunity to learn more about food, farming and the countryside in Norfolk! 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 #RoyalNorfolkShow #FFDT
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🌾FREE SCHOOL TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 🐄

🎟️2 WEEKS LEFT TO BOOK!🎟️

Give...

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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...