Today, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) launched its 13th annual Schools’ Cookery Demonstration Programme aimed at educating pupils on the merits of beef and lamb in a healthy, balanced diet. To date some 84,000 students in over 2,300 separate demonstrations from schools across Northern Ireland have benefited from the Programme. 

Speaking at the launch at Foyle College, Derry~Londonderry,   LMC’s Chairman, Pat O’Rourke said “Year on year the programme continues to grow and we are delighted to be involved in providing educational support to secondary schools throughout Northern Ireland, informing students of the importance of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb and the nutritional benefits surrounding the consumption of red meat."

"These demonstrations help consumers at a young age to understand the products of our industry and by providing this shop window we assist our farmers and processors in relaying the message about the farm end of the production chain and the three pillars of Farm Quality Assurance – food safety, animal welfare and care for the environment. 

"We have also worked closely with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to ensure that the content on our Food4Life website is in synergy with the Home Economics Curriculum and that it is used as a valuable tool to reinforce classroom activities and learning.

"I am delighted to visit Foyle College to see firsthand the delivery of the Programme. These cookery demonstrations play an important role in supporting the home economics syllabus. The LMC educational services activities are very successful in promoting locally produced Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb to our schools. The LMC engagement with pupils enables us to relay the message about the quality of our local meat produce, its role in a balanced diet and the opportunities in the hospitality and food industries that are available to school leavers, " concluded Mr O'Rourke.

Head of Home Economics at Foyle College, Fiona Feeney said “Working with the LMC adds another dimension to our teaching programme and the demonstrations are a fun and interactive way for the students to learn about the nutritional value of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb. The students really enjoy the demonstrations as the recipes are quick, simple and cost effective dishes that can be made for all the family.”

Commending the LMC for their promotion of local beef and lamb, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O’Neill said, “The Schools’ Cookery Demonstration programme is a great opportunity for school pupils to devise attractive and tasty dishes and incorporate Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb into a balanced diet.  What better way could there be for the LMC to promote quality and versatility of our locally produced Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb than to encourage our young chefs to use them in their wonderful recipes.”

If you are interested in finding out more information please contact Cherrie Kenny at LMC on 02892 633000 or log on to www.food4life.org.ukENDSFor further information please contact Lyn Sheridan or Katrina Frazer at Aiken PR on 02890 663000 or Katrina@aikenpr.com•         In the 2012/13 academic year LMC’s team of demonstrators will be carrying out 300 beef and lamb cookery sessions in secondary schools throughout Northern Ireland.•         The demonstration service has been operating since 1999•         LMC’s nutritional website www.food4life.org.uk complements the NI Home Economics curriculum•         LMC conducts a Professional Development Event for HE teachers on an annual basis