Bright future for aspiring farmers
A HIGHLAND school is the first to welcome a new project that aims to inspire and develop future entrepreneurs in farming.
Nairn Academy launched the initiative at a garden party at the school to show off their new equipment and garden space following a tie-up with the Farmer Jones Academy (FJA).
Local farmer Richard Jones created the social enterprise in a bid to tackle the dwindling numbers of young people pursuing a career in farming.
The pupils have planted various fruits and vegetables including carrots, lettuce, cabbage, strawberries and raspberries. The produce will help sustain a café the school wants to open.
It is working with the Highland Council on the Beach Café project which would be run by S4-6 pupils. Some younger pupils would also get the chance to help.
The café is not finished yet, painting needs to be done and a fridge needs to be fitted which will take place during the October holidays.
It is hoped the café will be up and running by Christmas.
It will be open to school pupils and staff initially but if it is a success it could open to the wider community.
Nairn Academy and FJA are now working to introduce farming to the curriculum, with FJA providing polytunnels and other growing equipment to the school.
Deputy head teacher Sarah Abenheimer said: "The Farmer Jones Academy at Nairn Academy Growing Project is an exciting new strand in our curriculum.
"Across S1-3 it provides pupils with an insight into sustainability and the link between produce and plate. Further up the school, senior pupils are completing the Prince’s Trust 16-plus Achieve Programme, using the project for the enterprise unit.
"Pupils from S1-6 have all taken part in making the garden what it is today and we look forward to seeing them all reap the benefits, of future harvest and wider career opportunities."
Nairn Academy is assisting FJA in getting modules accredited for a variety of qualifications which pupils can take to potential employers.
Mr Jones said: "A passion for Scottish farming, food and drink and a desire to share that enthusiasm with youngsters led us to set up the Farmer Jones Academy.
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"With invaluable support from Highland Council’s Carbon Clever team and FirstPort social enterprise funding, we laid the foundations and are growing to be a fully-fledged community interest company.
"As a result, we have gone ahead with our schools work to encourage the next generation of food and drink entrepreneurs to find a positive career path they may not have considered before.
"The staff at Nairn Academy have been extremely supportive and helpful in helping us achieve our vision."
By the end of the course pupils will have learned a variety of new skills such as designing and developing their own fresh food produce and will have learned about other start-up businesses and their selling points, values and marketing strategies.
The project is supported by local employability group Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highland (DYWICH).
Andy Maxtone, DYWICH programme manager, said: "The agriculture and food and drink industries are all prominent areas of employment in the region, and we applaud the Farmer Jones Academy for providing the opportunity for young people to get skilled up ahead of leaving education.
"The programme will provide CV boosting skills that will see pupils stand out when it comes to life after school – whatever career they choose to progress."
