Open Farm Weekend launched with a diverse range of activities to highlight Northern Ireland food and farming

THIS year’s Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is returning on farms on Friday, June 14 (for schools) and Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, for the public planning a packed schedule of activities to showcase Northern Ireland food and farming at its best.

The initiative, led by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), with Bank of Ireland renewing its title sponsorship, is yet again set to capture the imagination of families and foodies from across the province and give a real behindthe-scenes snapshot of the local farm-to-fork story.

This year, the focus will be on food poverty, sustainability, and farm safety.

UFU Deputy President William Irvine said: “The event will see participation from 21 diverse farms, each offering a unique experience and insight into different aspects of agriculture.

‘Better understanding’

“Visitors can explore the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland’s farming heritage, gaining a better understanding of the food production process, and meet the farmer that works 365 days a year to deliver delicious food, from farm to fork.”

Richard Primrose, from Bank of

Ireland, said: “The agri-food industry makes a significant economic and social contribution and we’re delighted to partner with Open Farm Weekend to recognise and celebrate hardworking farms right across Northern Ireland.

“Our farming families are working hard to address some of the biggest societal challenges, from food poverty and sustainability, to farm safety.

“Open Farm Weekend provides an opportunity for consumers to get behind the gate to see firsthand how farms are addressing these challenges as they continue to produce the highest standards of farm-fresh produce.”

Among the two local farms are the Clarke Farm at Ballylagan, near Augher, Co. Tyrone and CAFRE Enniskillen Campus.

Philip and David Clarke are the fifth and sixth generations to farm at Ballylagan, an all-grass farm, where a herd of 80 dairy cows and 40 young cattle are kept.

Sold to Tirlan

The milk produced by the cows is sold to Tirlan for a range of cheeses, creams and dried milk products which are used locally and sold to other countries around the world.

CAFRE is delighted to welcome visitors to Enniskillen Campus during the weekend.

CAFRE is Northern Ireland’s specialist agri-food and landbased college and provides equine-focused education at Enniskillen Campus.

During Open Farm Weekend, the public will have an opportunity to visit the specialist facilities that are used by both students and industry.

CAFRE has more than 1,800 students registered at Greenmount, Loughry and Enniskillen Campuses, and each year provides support to more than 10,000 people working in the Agri-food industry.