Exploring farms in Germany

A healthy diet is important for people, according to 92% of respondents in a nutrition survey by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In addition 91% of respondents see it as important for children to learn the basics of healthy eating at school.

Arla Foods, in cooperation with the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk, has started Arla Hofentdecker (farm explorer), where children can explore the farm environment. The aim is to build a closer connection to the rural life and origin of dairy products and to raise awareness of a balanced diet.

Arla has conducted its own study, which shows that children do not know or are not sure, where and how foods such as yogurt, cheese and butter are produced, before they are sold at the grocery store. About 62% of children surveyed do not know how butter is made. Urban families feel very far away from rural life and 63% of city children would like to visit a farm more often.

Arla Hofentdecker will be launched this spring, so kindergarten groups, school classes and youth groups can visit an Arla farm and get a vivid idea of where the milk comes from and who produces it.

They go on an expedition and experience how modern dairy farming works and also how important it is to deal intensively with nature and wildlife. During a break for breakfast, the little explorers learn more about a balanced diet and the importance of dairy products.

“We are delighted that together with Arla Foods we can enable children to actively engage with the origins of food. The focus will be on active exploration on a farm and the associated experiences of nature and the encounter with animals”, says Claudia Neumann, head of child and youth participation at the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk.

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