Growers and suppliers can now take part in a series of preparation events including school visits and ‘share your story’ days in the run up to this year’s Open Farm Sunday.
Organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), Open Farm Sunday will take place on 5 June this year and is promoted as farming’s national open day.
The three types of events include a new ‘share your story’ format, which gives farmers and growers the chance to share best practice with their peers, information events and school visit workshops. All events are free of charge and are open to all farming businesses.
LEAF demonstration farmer and founder of Open Farm Sunday, Ian Piggott OBE, will host a share your story event, taking place at The Farmschool, Hertfordshire on Wednesday 23 March. The other two events will take place in Somerset (22 March) and North Yorkshire (21 April).
The Information Events will cover all aspects of how to host a safe and engaging Open Farm Sunday, aimed at those looking to get involved for the first time. The first Information Event takes place in Cheshire on Thursday 3 March, with following events taking place in Powys, West Sussex, Rutland, Wiltshire, Cornwall, County Durham and Oxfordshire.
School visit workshops will provide advice on how to organise classroom trips that match the curriculum and provide activity ideas.
Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said: “We are organising this programme of events to inspire experienced host farmers and support new host farmers who are thinking of taking part for the first time this year.
“We encourage all farmers to start planning ahead so that they are fully prepared to open their gates to the general public. Open Farm Sunday on 5th June and Open Farm School Days throughout June are a perfect opportunity for farmers to share their story so people can see for themselves why farming is so important and how it affects our daily lives - from food and fuel to clothing and manufacturing. We are looking forward to more farmers taking part this year.”
All host farmers will receive a range of free resources from Open Farm Sunday organisers and sponsors, and further support is available from regional event coordinators.
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