Zac Goldsmith has pledged to set up at least 100 ‘pocket farms’ at London primary school if elected as Mayor of London in May.
The scheme would give London primary schools dedicated green spaces to grow their own food, raise chickens and learn outdoors.
It would also enable inner-city schools to twin with rural farms and ensure all London schools meet the Government’s school food standards.
He said: “Making our children aware of the environment around them and where their food comes from is vital to their future wellbeing.
“Obesity and poor air-quality are two of the biggest threats that our young people face.
“We have shown in Richmond that children benefit from more outdoor learning and that we can dramatically raise the quality of school food without it costing parents more.”
Mr Goldsmith was joined at Grey Court School by Environment Secretary Liz Truss, who said she wanted children to be “more connected with nature”.
Time to dig in: Mr Goldsmith launched the 'pocket farms' pledge at Grey Court School on Monday
She said: “I think what is happening at this school shows what can be done and that is really exciting – one of my priorities is making sure the next generation is better connected to nature and understands where our food comes from.
“This is a fantastic example and they are already thinking of the next steps – Richmond does lead in this area.”
The Ham school has its own farm, as well as a community allotment and cooking club.
Mr Goldsmith joined the school’s resident chickens in their coop and even managed to successfully catch one white hen for a photo opportunity.
"Religious prejudice" claims rebuffed
After being given a tour of the building, the Conservative candidate strongly rejected claims that his election campaign has been blighted by “religious prejudice”.
Guardian columnist Nick Cohen accused Mr Goldsmith of “smearing” his Labour rival Sadiq Khan by linking him to Islamists.
Accused: Mr Goldsmith's campaign has been accused of "racial prejudice" by a Guardian columnist
But the Richmond Park criticised the article and said that faith and religion is a “100 per cent irrelevance” in the Mayoral race.
He said: “I don’t accept the premise of the article because religion doesn’t come into this campaign.
“The Mayor of London has to speak for all of London and this is one of the most diverse cities on Earth.
“Faith and religion is a 100 per cent irrelevance, always has been, always will be.”
Housing crisis
He reiterated his commitment to providing affordable homes in light of today’s National Union of Teachers (NUT) survey which claimed high rents are forcing teachers out of the capital.
Selling up: Teachers are leaving London because of rising rents
He said: “Housing is the overwhelmingly number one issue for London and for anyone who earns enough to not be qualified for social housing.
“Supplying homes is my top, top priority with a target of 50,000 a year.
“I want to solve the housing crisis because more teachers and young professionals are moving out.”
He added that he believes there is “more than enough land to develop”, highlighting Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice and Transport for London brownfield sites as potential developments.
He said: “There is a line, of course – we don’t want to compromise our green spaces.
“We can make better use of existing buildings but don’t want to lose space that give London its character, such as social enterprises, but it is different in every borough.
“You have to view each planning application on its own merits and we don’t want London to become homogenous because it is a fascinating, diverse and mixed place.”
Kneller Hall campaign
However, one site which the Conservative candidate is opposed to building homes on is Kneller Hall in Whitton, home to the Royal Military School of Music.
Under threat: The Tory candidate backs Dr Mathias's campaign
The MoD are planning a 192-home development on the site, surrounded by Metropolitan Open Land, which has been fiercely opposed by Twickenham MP Tania Mathias, Richmond Council and residents.
He said: “I am backing Tania on this – she is a brilliant MP and is standing up for what is right.
“I have said I will help her in her campaign and I know she is working very closely with the local authority, including [council leader] Lord True and [London Assembly member] Tony Arbour.”
All bets are on
Sadiq Khan remains the bookies’ odds-on favourite to succeed Boris Johnson but one gambler from Sussex will be hoping Mr Goldsmith can win more than most.
The mystery bettor put £20,000 on the Richmond Park MP becoming Mayor of London.
Mr Goldsmith commented: “I am doing everything I can to make sure that person wins their bet.
“I did think it could be Sadiq Khan hedging his bets.”
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