Growers, food producers, retailers and chefs are being urged to support this year’s Open Farm Sunday event by opening their gates to the public or publicising it on social media.
Held on 7 June, Open Farm Sunday is now its 10th year and provides the annual opportunity to showcase British farming and food and engage with the general public.
Event organisers LEAF said the success of Open Farm Sunday comes from industry-wide collaboration.
“Farmers are the heroes and the public face of Open Farm Sunday but the day really belongs to the whole industry,” said LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton.
“It is a chance to showcase the diversity and quality of farming. There are lots of ways for businesses to get involved, from sponsorship through to link ups with farmers.
“For example, if you have farms who supply you, then encourage them to open up for Open Farm Sunday and support them on the day too. This could be by promoting the event to your customers or by having a stand, demonstration or talk at the event.”
Shackleton said part of LEAF’s long-term vision is to create an opportunity for everyone to visit a farm. “Open Farm Sunday is a big part of this. The agri-food sector relies on farmers, so supporting them on Open Farm Sunday is a great chance to give something back,” she added.
This year’s event has so far gained retail backing from Asda, Aldi, Waitrose and the Tesco Eat Happy Project, as well as from Defra and the NFU.
Registration for both Open Farm Sunday and Open Farm School Days is now open at www.farmsunday.org, and there are free resources available to those who register.
