LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), organisers of Open Farm Sunday, is calling on the whole food industry, from food producers, through to retailers, food service companies and chefs, to back this year’s Open Farm Sunday on 7th June and support the hundreds of farmers who will be opening their gates.
Since LEAF launched the campaign in 2006, over 1.25 million people have visited a farm on Open Farm Sunday. It provides a unique and inspiring opportunity for people of all ages to meet with farmers, find out how their food is produced and connect with the countryside.
The ongoing success of Open Farm Sunday is achieved through industry-wide collaboration. Annabel Shackleton, LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday manager explains: “Farmers are the heroes and the public face of Open Farm Sunday but the day really belongs to the whole industry. 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.”
Farming is integral to the UK’s food and drink industry, worth some £97 billion - the equivalent of 7.1 per cent of the GVA of the UK economy. Annabel added: “Informing people where their food comes from, how it is produced and what farmers do to manage the countryside and all its wonderful wildlife, benefits the whole food industry. Part of LEAF’s long term vision is to create an opportunity where everyone has a chance 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.”
