The Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Health have commissioned the National Farmers' Union and Stockbridge Technology Centre to identify school horticulture projects that are working successfully as part of the government drive to encourage greater fruit and vegetable consumption.

The move comes following successful pilot projects in inner-London schools. It is in the first stage of a proposal to introduce Growing Clubs more widely into mainstream education and encourage pupils to take more of an interest in where their food comes from. The NFU and STC team is due to report back with its findings and recommendations for the pilot project at the end of October.

Those involved in initiatives that encourage pupils to grow fruit and vegetables in school or interested in finding out more about food production on the farm should send project details to michael.holmes@farmline.com

Meanwhile, non-governmental organisation Pesticide Action Network UK has launched a video for secondary schools. The Pesticide Trail details the history, use and problems sometimes associated with pesticide usage in the UK and overseas. The 90-minute film looks at pesticide use in the production of food, effects on water supply and health of exposure to pesticides and other environmental effects. Students are filmed interviewing producers, agro-chemical manufacturers, retailers and anti-pesticides campaigners. The video is designed for use as part of the citizenship curriculum in UK schools.