George the Farmer and his creators, Simone Kain and Ben Hood, have been bringing farm education to life and inspiring the next generation of agriculturalists since 2015.
They first launched the George the Farmer interactive app on the iTunes store and now, the trio will be reaching even greater audiences through a new and exciting partnership with the ABC.
You can now catch George the Farmer on the ABC’s primary and secondary channels, including simultaneous online streaming through the ABC iView digital platform.
We had Postman Pat and Bob the Builder but a character educating children about how the main thing that sustains our life – food – was missing.
George the Farmer co-creator Simone Kain.
The videos, produced through the creators digital agency, Hello Friday, follow George the Farmer and team around South Australia as they investigate different foods grown on the farm including wheat, potatoes and chicken meat.
Each stage of production is highlighted through the use of video, animation, story, music and dance culminating in a final kitchen scene where the produce that was investigated is turned into a healthy and easily achievable meal for children to cook themselves.
Celebrated Australian chef and clinical nutritionist, Sam Gowing believes farm to plate education is critical.
“Food as medicine has been my mantra for 20 years. If consumers don’t understand the paddock to plate journey, it’s difficult to make healthy food choices. Education needs to start with young children.”
The character has also been the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Farmers’ Federation’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ag Day ambassador for the past three years. NFF President, Fiona Simson was ecstatic to hear that the ABC have endorsed the George the Farmer videos.
“In order for those involved in agriculture to be better understood, there must be education from a young age about how food is produced. The disconnection from farm to plate needs to be reversed.”
The vital importance of agricultural education has been pinpointed by the re-elected government with their pledge to invest $10 million in two new programs aimed at bringing Australian children and farms closer together. Something that both the George the Farmer videos and popular picture story book series will also assist with.
“The series of George the Farmer books are wonderful examples of how quality books for children can also educate and celebrate all aspects of Australian society,” the Hon. Dan Tehan, MP, Minister for Education said.
Co-creatoe Ben Hood said the team have been working on getting George on TV for a long time.
“We’re delighted that children will finally be able to learn about farming directly from their lounge rooms as they watch George grace their television screens – and iPads!”
Watch on ABC iView, ABC TV and .
