The government has been issued harsh warnings to risk immediate modernising food education in schools or putting the country’s long-term food security at risk.
As the national curriculum has received initial reviews for over a decade, NFU encourages ministers to update food and agricultural education, better reflecting the sector’s key role in addressing global challenges.
This is especially important in core subjects such as biology, geography and food technology, where it is essential to include modern agricultural issues.
The NFU is calling on the government to take two important actions. First, we seek urgent reviews of subjects related to GCSE biology and ensuring a comprehensive coverage of food production, agriculture and food security.
Second, it calls for a clear commitment to improve the quality and consistency of food education at all schools across the country.
NFU Vice President Rachel Harros reiterates the union’s dedication to developing an education system that broadens the understanding of where their food comes from, highlighting the exciting career opportunities on the farm-to-folk journey.
“NFU is proud to seek an education system that will make the next generation more aware of where their food comes from and exciting career opportunities through their journey from farm to fork,” she said.
Referring to the government’s statement that “food security is national security,” Harros urged the minister to take decisive action.
“We want to see this curriculum review as a generational opportunity to improve how young people learn about food and agriculture, and reflect on subjects such as biology, geography, and food technology.”
She emphasized that improving food education is essential for the future and will help inspire the next generation of agricultural scientists, engineers and sustainability leaders.
“Improved food education now ensures a future in which children become scientists, engineers and innovators driving sustainable food production and environmental management.”
A recent NFU poll in March 2025 revealed that two-thirds of teachers believe food education should have a greater presence in the secondary curriculum.
Public support is strong, with over 22,000 people signing union petitions seeking curriculum reform.
Meanwhile, two-thirds of teachers believe food education should have a greater presence in their secondary curriculum, according to data collected in 2025, which was collected from over 500 teachers.
Mr. Harros concluded:
“I know this is a shared view by teachers and tens of thousands of people across the country behind us. Now is the time when the curriculum has caught up.”
