BUSINESSES across Suffolk are being urged to help give schoolchildren the opportunity to learn about food and farming by becoming a School Farm and Country Fair sponsor.

The School Farm and Country Fair, which is organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, takes place on April 26 and will see over 3,500 children spend the day learning about how food is produced and how farmers manage the countryside.

Each year, pupils and teachers from about 90 schools from all over Suffolk visit the event at Trinity Park, Ipswich, and local businesses are being given the chance to become sponsors and help schools attend.

On the day, each school group is given their own farmer steward to guide them through the various activities, allowing children to meet and find out more about a member of the local farming community.

The event includes demonstrations, such as a farrier at work, a sheep dog display, gun dog races and an impressive range of farm machinery.

Hannah Woods, education officer at Suffolk Agricultural Association, said: “Sponsorship of �100 can pay for a school’s pupils and teachers to travel to the Suffolk Farm and Country Fair for the day, so it’s a great opportunity for businesses to help their local community.

“The School Farm and Country Fair is a unique opportunity for children to experience first-hand how food is produced and to meet the people who produce it.

“We believe it is really important for children to be aware of conservation and farming and this is always a fun, interactive and enjoyable day for them, so we hope local businesses will help to support the event by becoming sponsors.”

More than 60 commercial and voluntary organisations volunteer their time to provide interactive displays to demonstrate the diversity of farming and countryside activities.

Pupils also have the chance to tour the Suffolk Agricultural Association conservation area and ancient woodland trail.

To find out more about becoming a sponsor, contact Hannah Woods at hannah.woods@suffolkshow.co.uk or on 01473 707118.