From field to school plate: How collaboration grew a sustainable food project in Scotland

During a VISIONARY Science-Policy-Interface in June 2023, Aberdeenshire-based organic farmer Phil Swire, farming at Balmakewan Farm, met Adam Forrest from Scotland Food & Drink. This encounter was the catalyst for an innovative, award-winning project called “Give peas a chance”, which is now incorporating organically grown split peas into school meals across Aberdeenshire.

Funded by Sustain’s Bridging the Gap programme and a partnership between Soil Association Scotland, Aberdeen City Council catering and procurement teams, pea producer Phil Swire of Balmakewan Farm, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) were able to grow, dry, package and deliver his peas to schools. Alongside delicious, innovative and nutritious recipes like lemon pea risotto or pea muffins, the project includes educational activities that teach children about healthy diets, local food systems, and their role in protecting the environment.

What started as a networking moment evolved into a collaborative effort across farming, food organisations, and public authorities – all united by the vision of improving children’s nutrition and building a more resilient, sustainable food system.

Despite challenges such as limited logistics infrastructure, this initiative proves how much is possible when local actors come together with shared goals. It also demonstrates the impact of our VISIONARY project: supporting eco-friendly, economically viable, and socially inclusive approaches in European agriculture.

„It will be great to see what legacy this project brings,“ Phil Swire said – and we couldn’t agree more.

Find out even more about „Give Peas a Chance“ here (Youtube video by the Soil Association).