Visiting an arable farm with your class

The module is developed for pupils in Years 5 to 8 and consists of three parts. Pupils first prepare the visit in the classroom, then go on an excursion to an arable farm, and finally reflect on their experiences through a follow-up activity back at school. During this learning process, they are introduced to topics such as soil quality, crop cultivation, the influence of weather, and the use of crop protection.

Attention is also given to nutrition and health, and to how arable products are prepared and consumed. The guiding principle is experiential learning. This means that pupils do not only listen, but also look, feel, smell and taste for themselves. A teacher who tested the materials responded enthusiastically, saying: “I learned a great deal myself as well.”

The teaching materials were assessed by an independent review committee and tested in practice with nine classes visiting nine different arable farms. The module meets the quality standards of the Dutch Food Education Platform. There is no brand promotion, the content aligns with the Dutch dietary guidelines known as the Schijf van Vijf and with the core objectives of primary education, and objective information is central.

The module forms part of a broader educational offer for farm visits, known as Smaakexcursies (‘Taste excursions’).

From 2026 onwards, educational arable farmers affiliated with Boerderij Educatie Nederland will receive a fee for the lessons they provide on their farms. BO Akkerbouw has advocated for this arrangement, based on the conviction that independent education about arable farming is important for the entire sector.

According to André Hogendijk of BO Akkerbouw, the project not only raises awareness of healthy and sustainable food, but also strengthens the relationship between farmers and society.

Scientific follow-up

This year, the Louis Bolk Institute will start a study into the effect of the teaching module on pupils’ knowledge and attitudes. The results of this research are expected in 2027.

The teaching materials for teachers of Years 5 to 8 are available free of charge at www.voedseleducatie.nl. This online teaching portal has been used by more than 28,000 teachers since 2020. Arable farmers and other interested parties can request the materials via the Smaaklessen website.

The preparatory lesson in the classroom includes two short videos on soil and arable farming. These videos are freely accessible and can also be used independently of the module.

Schools interested in visiting an arable farm with a class can find an overview of participating farmers and growers on the Boerderij Educatie Nederland website. These educational farmers have completed training focused on pedagogy, teaching methods, safety and hygiene.

The teaching module was developed as part of the project Akkerbouw Avonturen and was made possible in part through funding from the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Agriculture, Water and Food. Project partners include BO Akkerbouw, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Boerderij Educatie Nederland, Kom bij de Boer, and Wageningen University & Research.