The government has been urged to overhaul food education in schools or risk jeopardising the UK’s long-term food security.
With the national curriculum under review for the first time in more than a decade, the NFU is calling on ministers to bring food and farming into focus, especially within core subjects like Biology, Geography and Food Technology.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “Food security is national security, this curriculum review is a once-in-a-generation chance to improve how young people learn about food and farming."
The union is calling for two key actions:
- An urgent review of GCSE Biology and related subjects to ensure they reflect modern food production, farming and food security.
- A nationwide commitment to better, more consistent food education in all schools.
Hallos added: “The NFU is proud to call for an education system that gives the next generation a wider awareness of where their food comes from and the exciting career opportunities throughout the farm-to-fork journey.
"By improving the quality of food education now, we can secure a future where our children become the scientists, engineers and innovators who drive sustainable food production and environmental management."
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A March 2025 NFU survey of over 500 teachers found two-thirds believe food education needs greater prominence in secondary schools. Public support is also strong, with more than 22,000 people signing the NFU’s petition for curriculum reform.
Hallos concluded: "Young people deserve to leave school with a fair understanding of the many benefits British farming has to offer.
"We know this is a view shared both by teachers and by tens of thousands of people across the country who stand behind us too. It’s time the curriculum caught up.”
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