Latest news with #EssexAgriculturalSociety
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TV farmer warns of 'obesity epidemic' in UK
Celebrity farmer Jimmy Doherty has warned the nation is facing an "obesity epidemic" during an event for schoolchildren. The presenter said he wanted to bridge "a massive divide" between consumers and producers as he met with pupils on Tuesday. Thousands of children, from 72 primary schools across Essex, gathered at Anglia Ruskin University's campus in Writtle for the educational festival. Doherty, a visiting professor at the university, said it was a "brilliant showcase" that would better people's understanding of the farming industry. "It's absolutely vital that we have that interaction because we've got an obesity epidemic in this country," he told the BBC. The event was organised by the Essex Agricultural Society, which estimated 3,000 children were in attendance. It featured the chance to get up close with livestock and watch tractors and combine harvesters in action. "We have a massive divide between the consumers and producers," said Doherty, who became a household name after his Jimmy's Farm documentary aired in 2004. "We need a better understanding of how our food is produced, what goes into it and also the importance of our farmers." Children were inspired to be curious about healthy eating and sustainability during the day, as well as being taught how to pursue an agricultural career. Andrea Farrant, head teacher of Blackmore Primary School in Ingatestone, said she wanted pupils to see what was grown in Essex. She said they enjoyed seeing how food "gets to our plates". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. How can I get to this year's Royal Norfolk Show? Zoos much more than entertainment, say leaders TV presenter takes on new role at university
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Jimmy Doherty warns of 'obesity epidemic' during Writtle event
Celebrity farmer Jimmy Doherty has warned the nation is facing an "obesity epidemic" during an event for presenter said he wanted to bridge "a massive divide" between consumers and producers as he met with pupils on of children, from 72 primary schools across Essex, gathered at Anglia Ruskin University's campus in Writtle for the educational a visiting professor at the university, said it was a "brilliant showcase" that would better people's understanding of the farming industry. "It's absolutely vital that we have that interaction because we've got an obesity epidemic in this country," he told the BBC. The event was organised by the Essex Agricultural Society, which estimated 3,000 children were in featured the chance to get up close with livestock and watch tractors and combine harvesters in action."We have a massive divide between the consumers and producers," said Doherty, who became a household name after his Jimmy's Farm documentary aired in 2004."We need a better understanding of how our food is produced, what goes into it and also the importance of our farmers." Children were inspired to be curious about healthy eating and sustainability during the day, as well as being taught how to pursue an agricultural Farrant, head teacher of Blackmore Primary School in Ingatestone, said she wanted pupils to see what was grown in said they enjoyed seeing how food "gets to our plates". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
