A FARMER'S wife has launched a booklet to teach children where their food comes from.

Kate Dale, from Boroughbridge, near Ripon, wants youngsters from urban and rural areas to learn the value of the countryside, and how farmers work to preserve it.

Farmer Fred's Activity Book is made up of activities, including a wordsearch and quizzes, with a farming facts page aimed at adults.

But Mrs Dale also hopes that the children will, in turn, educate their parents.

About 2,500 copies of the free booklet were taken to the show, in Harrogate, this week and, so far, 800 copies have been picked up by showgoers.

It was launched at the show by Anne McIntosh, the MP for the Vale of York, along with Bob Baker, rural development officer for the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Mrs Dale used to work in primary education, but now works for the commission, which, along with the Farm Crisis Network, set up the Farming and Rural Business Project, which produced the booklet.

And with many farmers going out of business because of the pressures of low gate prices, Mrs Dale was motivated to develop the booklet, to make young people and their families more aware of the part farmers play in food production and the environment.

It was launched ahead of the Year of Food and Farming, which will begin in September, to promote farming and locally produced food.

Mrs Dale said: "Lots of children drive to school these days and are not as aware of what's around them, even rural children.

"There are pointers in there for adults too. Children absorb the bits of information and take on board the message.

"They are the right age group to go home and tell mum and dad and grandma about these things, as well.

"It is about making sure people are aware the countryside is looked after by farmers and has been for many years, and they have done that for everyone so it is there for us to enjoy.

"We have to try and ensure that the whole industry and all farmers have a sustainable business."

Miss McIntosh said: "It is an initiative I wish to support -bringing the rural farm community, through the church, to a wider non-farming community.

"It teaches young people about food production and brings them closer to the countryside and it helps to remove the barriers between communities. I am a strong supporter of farm visits from schools from both rural and urban areas."

Mrs Dale and Mr Baker will distribute the booklet to schools and churches. It can also be obtained from their office on 01845-525757.