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Tories to encourage school trips to farms
PUPILS would be able to go on class trips to the farmyard and "adopt an animal" to teach them where their food comes from under Tory plans.
Layers of "cotton wool" which prevent schoolchildren from being taken on trips would be shredded so that teachers are not afraid to organise trips, according to Shadow Farming Minister Jim Paice.
Teachers would be offered protection from legal action over "unfortunate accidents" by amending the Compensation Act so organisers are only liable if they show "reckless disregard" to safety, and courts would be ordered to take into account the benefit of field trips.
Thousands of schools would be encouraged to twin with a farm and technology could be used so inner city schools are able take part.
Mr Paice called for action to teach youngsters about their food to "explode some myths" about where it comes from.
He said: "Introducing young people to farms and teaching them about the origins of their food is a vital step towards increasing awareness about the environment, animal welfare, and the importance of healthy eating.
"The Conservative Party is passionate about engaging the next generation of consumers in food production and removing the layers of cotton wool that are limiting opportunities for children to explore and experience nature."
Speaking at a conference organised by West Yorkshire-based Farms for Schools, he said: "It doesn't mean lots of expensive visits taking time out of lessons."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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