The Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh to Suffolk on 20 April 2023 to visit the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s annual School Farm and Country Fair (SFCF). HRH is the Patron of the Association of Shows and Agricultural Associations and supports many agricultural events across the UK. HRH’s three hour visit included a tour of the event where she enthusiastically joined the children in a number of their learning activities. She also met with many of the SAA’s volunteers who play a major role in the organisation of both the SFCF and the Suffolk Show.
The visit was led by Brian Barker, the SFCF Chairman and other guests included the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington DL, and Secretary of State for DEFRA, The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP.
The SFCF and was attended by over 4,000 KS2 primary school children aged 7 to 9 years old. The event aims to educate children in a fun and interactive way on the importance of agriculture to Suffolk, the role of farming in delivering food to our tables and role wildlife and conservation play in building a thriving and sustainable countryside.
The SFCF was created in 2001 in response to the cancelled Suffolk Show due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak. Organised and managed by 300 volunteers the event offers children a range of experiences which connects them to the rural and agricultural community and the many industries supporting it.
Since its inception in 2001 over 84,000 children have attended the event. Over 300 stewards volunteer their time to help with its organisation and over 80 exhibitors also attended free of charge. The event has inspired other agricultural associations and societies across the UK to engage and enthuse children with events similar to this.