Dublin Zoo venture highlights land as the source of wholesome food

AN interactive and interpretive farm is being developed in Dublin Zoo to highlight the work of the land and how it is the source of wholesome food.

The aim of the 1.5 acre site on the grounds of the Zoo’s existing City Farm is to “immerse” almost 900,000 annual visitors in the science and practices of everyday farming life.

The site, currently under construction, will also help educate families on where their food comes from and the role of the farmer in ensuring its quality and traceability.

It will feature farm animals, a state-of-the-art classroom, areas to show how cows are milked, paddocks, a playground and an Irish meadow.

Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, the project partners, are now asking primary schoolchildren nationwide to come up with a name for the farm.

Children will be required, as part of an annual art competition, to depict the new farm or draw their own interpretation. Entrants must also include their suggested name for the farm.

Springtime on the Farm is an annual primary schools initiative run by Agri Aware and sponsored by FBD Trust, which aims to broaden children’s understanding of farming, agriculture and food production.

Dublin Zoo director Leo Oosterweghel said children will soon become mini-farmers at Dublin Zoo. The state-of-the-art site will mean younger people from tots to teens will learn about the wonders of the farm.

Zoo market research shows that, of the 900,000 annual visitors, the vast majority are children under 11 years of age accompanied by their parents. The activities on the site will cater for these two audiences.

Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said the site in one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions will prove to be pivotal in highlighting the interdependence of the farmer and the consumer.

The 10-year partnership with Agri Aware is the first in Dublin Zoo’s 180-year history.

The project is also being funded by Bord Bia, FBD, the Irish Farmers Association and IFAC Accountants.