FRS Network are proud to be key partners of a new book for primary school children. The book uses poetry to help simplify the science behind Irish farming and food for health and wellbeing. Written by Dr. Vanessa Woods, the curriculum-linked book will be made available to every primary school and teacher training college in Ireland next week.
Titled, ‘Irish Food, From A-Z’, the book is written through the medium of poetry and is accompanied by colourful illustrations. While the book is primarily aimed at children aged 4-12, adults may also enjoy it. The science-based and curriculum-linked educational resource is presented in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. It covers a wide range of topics such as food nutrients, sustainability, traceability, and soil health. It also covers grass-fed Irish food, greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration, biodiversity, the importance of a balanced diet, dental health, farm safety and Irish culture.
Recognising the importance of educating both children and adults about sustainable farming, Peter Byrne, CEO of National Co-op Farm Relief Services (NCFRS), commented, “This is a fantastic initiative to encourage people to think about their sources of food. The book really impressed me. I am looking forward to my Grandkids coming home from school telling me about the great poems they learned all about farming, grass, and where our food comes from. Agriculture is embedded in the Irish economy and these poems are a great way to showcase where and how food is produced. Vanessa has created an invaluable resource and we are delighted to support her and her unique book of poetry.”
Dr. Vanessa Woods grew up on a farm in Meath. She has a passion for the land and marrying the science of farming, food and health. She holds a BSc in Microbiology from NUI Galway and a PhD from University College Dublin. She has also served as CEO of Agri Aware, the independent agri-food educational body, and works with the European Commission as an evaluator of EU Horizon 2020 funding proposals. In 2018, she founded Vanessa B. Woods Communications. Ireland’s first science communications consultancy, with a company mission statement to ‘communicate complex science simply’.
Vanessa says she wrote ‘Irish Food, From A-Z’ to help encourage science-based discussion on food nutrients, healthy eating and the green climate agenda in primary schools and homes across the country: “Irish farming families have been farming for generations. Working in harmony with nature, as custodians of the landscape for future generations. Our farmers grow quality, safe, traceable, sustainable and nutrient-dense Irish food at an affordable price for consumers.”
“The work of Irish farmers is underpinned by world-class science as they seek to become more sustainable. However, not everybody is aware of this science and we have a duty to find better ways to lead consumers to knowledge. Irish Food, From A-Z is the first step in delivering science-based messages to children, their teachers and parents by telling the story of sustainable and nutritious Irish food and its importance for good dental health, human health and wellbeing, via poetry.”
The book can also be ordered online at: www.vbwoodscommunications.com