Food Impactmakers Day 1: Students explore the world of agriculture
- jim75342
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Thursday 6 November - Almere
With almost thirty vocational students, we kicked off Food Impactmakers. Guided by Food Pioneers Gaby and Guusje, students from Warmonderhof (biodynamic agriculture) and Aeres MBO Almere (applied biology) set out together to explore the food chain. The goal of the programme: learning about agriculture from multiple perspectives, meeting each other, and discovering how critical questions can move you forward.
Starting at De Stadsboerderij
The day began at De Stadsboerderij in Almere with a short introduction and the game “Maak je maaltijd” (Create your meal). Students had to put together one meal from a wide range of ingredients. The game ties in with one of the key aims of Food Impactmakers: helping students see that they can learn from each other, both despite and because of their different perspectives.
The diversity of Flevoland’s farming systems
To strengthen this learning from different viewpoints, Eva Flantua and Robin Vroom guided the students through five activities to explore the diversity of Flevoland’s agricultural system. From carrot tastings to a “Who am I?” game with different grains and collectively inventing a new food myth, students experienced how varied agriculture can be.
Practising critical questioning in real life
After a delicious lunch of bhaji burgers made from local carrots, grains and potatoes, SOL trainer Willemijn Buijn led a workshop on asking critical questions. The students then visited farmer Rob ter Haar near Lelystad. Rob keeps chickens and grows vegetables. The students immediately put their new skills into practice in conversation with the entrepreneur.
“I really appreciated talking to Rob, even though I do not fully agree with his views on sustainability,” one student reflected.
What students are taking away
These are the main insights students took from Day 1:
Realising that different study programmes complement each other
Tangible insights into different agricultural systems
Concrete techniques for asking good, honest questions
A more realistic picture of the farmer as an entrepreneur in a complex system
Collaboration
Food Impactmakers is a collaboration between SOL (Stichting Ontwikkelingsfonds Levensmiddelenindustrie) and Food Pioneers, focused on the food professionals of tomorrow. Theory and practice come together, with the region as the classroom.
Join with your school or organisation
Would you like a tailor made programme for your course or team? Get in touch with Guusje via guusje@foodpioneers.nl or through our contact form.
