The next generation of farmers and horticulturalists will gain what, for many of them, will be their first flavour of the agriculture industry this week. 
As part of its bid to attract more young people to the land, Writtle College is throwing its doors open to the schoolchildren of Essex. 
More than 60 primary schools from across Essex will visit Writtle to participate in the event, organised in conjunction with Essex Agricultural Society and Essex County Council. 
Rosemary Padfield, chair of the event’s steering group, said: “We are thrilled this event is so embedded into the schools’ diary. Within weeks of us announcing our plans last autumn we were heavily oversubscribed. 
“It is a happy circumstance it coincides with Healthy Eating Week, which is something we, as producers, are passionate about.” 
For many children it will be their first experience of farm life, giving them an opportunity to see livestock up close, hear the roar of a combine harvester and taste farm produce after learning of its journey from field to fork. 
Karen Watson, Essex Agricultural Society, organiser and school liaison officer, said: “We are very proud to be able to give children the opportunity to leave the classroom and take part in this extremely fun, educational day. 
“Hopefully, we will also be sowing a different sort of seed, and some of the children may start to think about taking up agriculture or horticulture as a lifetime career.” 
“Over 70 per cent of Essex is rural and grows a high percentage of the crops grown in England, so agriculture is a vital industry and employer for the county.  It is essential to inspire the next generation of farmers, and those working in our allied industries. I cannot think of a better way to encourage this.” 
The event involves 300 farmers and Writtle College staff with 500 teachers and assistants visiting with the schoolchildren. 
Volunteer stewards guide small groups of the eight to 11-year-olds through the activities.