The Year of Food and farming is an initiative first proposed by the charity Farming & Countryside Education (FACE). It is supported by Defra, the Department for Education and Skills, the Department of Health, the Royal Agricultural Society for England, and many other organisations in the food and farming industries.

Mr Miliband unveiled the initiative with chair of the Government's Sustainable Farming and Food delivery group Sir Don Curry and said "As consumers we have a great deal of power when it comes to buying food. As well as influencing our health, the choices we make really do make a difference to our countryside, the environment, and to tackling the biggest challenge we all face: Climate change."

"Consumers need to make informed choices, and where better to start than in educating the next generation."

"The public sector spends around £2 billion on food and catering services each year - this represents a fantastic opportunity for producers. The Government's announcement in September of a further £240 million to continue to subsidise healthy ingredients in school food until 2011 is also good news."

"It is vital that young people have a better understanding of where their food comes from, how it is produced, and the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet.

WHAT IS FACE?
FACE is a registered charity which is independent of any political party or movement. Its aim is to educate children and young people about food and farming in a sustainable countryside.

It has over 60 member organisations. All have a commitment to educational work associated with food, farming and the countryside.