Crowds Flock to Farms for Open Farm Sunday
15th June 2009
From villages and towns, cities and suburbs, children and students, parents and grandparents – they all flocked to farms nationwide for Open Farm Sunday (7th June). Despite the severe weather in some parts of the country, the event’s organiser, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), say initial reports indicate that over 140,000 visitors were welcomed onto 425 farms.
Roly Puzey, LEAF’s Farms Liaison Manager is delighted: "The success of this, the fourth Open Farm Sunday is testimony to the hard work and dedication of farmers across the country. It is also important to remember, that the 425 farms that opened were supported by over 5,500 helpers, including employees, family members, neighbouring farmers, advisors and sponsors. But the effort was clearly worth it, as reports coming in from the visitors clearly show. Not only was a fantastic day out was had by all, but everyone really did enjoy seeing the story behind their food. I would also like to thank the many sponsors and supporters of Open Farm Sunday, especially the principle sponsors - Defra, Waitrose, Regatta, Frontier, HGCA, Claas, National Grid, Warburtons, National Farmers Union, Scottish Natural Heritage and LEAF Marque - without whom Open Farm Sunday simply wouldn’t happen."
Open Farm Sunday draws support from organisations across the food and farming industries. The breadth and diversity of sponsors and supporters reflects the extended roles farmers have as producers of our food and custodians of the countryside. The backing of Frontier, the NFU, Defra, CLAAS, Soil Association and HGCA for the campaign, indicates the importance that the farming industry as a whole places on Open Farm Sunday. Comments from farmers that opened their gates on the 7th June show how much they value the opportunity to engage with the public and explain to them just what being a farmer in the 21st Century involves.
Given the responsibility farmers have for the environment, the support for Open Farm Sunday by organisations such as Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and National Grid is also vital. Their hands-on involvement at the launch of Open Farm Sunday also helped to demonstrate in a very practical way, the diversity of wildlife that can be found on farms.
Waitrose and many of their farmers and suppliers helped to spread the word too. Activities included a radio day, in-store postcards and produce for Sir Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2. A new sponsor for 2009 was Warburtons. The bread making demonstration they gave at the launch at Ian Waller’s farm near Great Missenden was enthusiastically received by the 80 children who attended the event – and who saw the seed to crumb story for themselves! For the first time the retailer Asda also supported the initiative with many of their farmers opening their gates too.
Scottish interest in Open Farm Sunday was strong. A media event was held at West Craigie Farm near Edinburgh and supported by Scottish TV chef, Nick Nairn. Local children enjoyed tasting Scottish produce including asparagus and soft fruits grown on the farm. The event included a tour of the strawberry fields and a puppet show by Scottish Natural Heritage. The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) also helped to make the day a great success for all.
Media interest for Open Farm Sunday, was, once again extensive. National coverage included BBC Breakfast, Working Lunch, Radio Four’s the Food Programme, and of course the Archers! Many farmers were featured in an article in the Saturday Telegraph and Open farm Sunday was also highlighted in monthly magazines such as BBC Good Food and Countryfile. Regional press, TV and radio also covered the event. The farming media also covered Open Farm Sunday, including Farmers Weekly, Farmers Guardian and the NFU’s British Farmer and Grower.
Open Farm Sunday 2010 will be on Sunday 13th June - so make a note now! If you would like to get involved please contact the LEAF office on 02476 413911 or email roly.puzey@leafuk.org
For pictures from participating farms visit www.farmsunday.org
- Ends -
For further information and images, or to arrange an interview with a local farmer contact:
Naomi Barry Amanda Wadlow
Open Farm Sunday Press Office Open Farm Sunday Press Office
T: 01189 475956 / 07920 098 498 T: 01189 475956
E: naomi.barry@ceres-pr.co.uk E: amanda.wadlow@ceres-pr.co.uk
Notes to editors:
• LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) www.leafuk.org is a national charity that helps farmers produce good quality food with care for the environment, whilst working with their local community
• An increasing number of farmers are signing up to the LEAF scheme which integrates modern farming know-how with conservation
• Food carrying the LEAF marque logo indicates that it has been grown by farmers who are committed to looking after the countryside and the environment
• The fourth annual Open Farm Sunday on 7 June provided a great opportunity for the youngsters interested in a farming career to get a behind-the-scenes look at life on a farm and the nature it sustains
• The event is organised by LEAF. In 2008 400 farms took party nationwide and attracted 150,000 visitors. For details, see www.farmsunday.org
• Visitors will be able to learn how farmers are encouraging natural plant species to thrive alongside crops and can get a close up look at farm animals and wildlife
• Principle sponsors and supporters of Open Farm Sunday 2009 are, NFU, Defra, Waitrose, Regatta, Frontier, HGCA, Claas, National Grid, Warburtons, Scottish Natural Heritage and LEAF Marque
