The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Open day on farms hailed a big success
This year’s Open Farm Sunday has been judged a resounding success, with more than 250 farms across Britain opening their gates to tens of thousands of visitors.
Arable, horticultural and livestock production was showcased last Sunday, as well as agro-forestry and fisheries, with the aim of demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, climate mitigation, food production and a wellmanaged countryside.
Leaf Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said: “With the public’s growing consciousness around the environment and sustainability, farming’s annual open day is more important than ever, to build support for British farming and food and showcase everything
farming delivers. It also highlights the diverse career opportunities available for future generations within the agricultural sector.
“We’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who made the day another huge success, particularly all the host farmers, volunteers and our sponsors.
“There is such interest in where our food comes from and now more than ever a desire to better understand all that our farmers do.
“By taking part in Leaf Open Farm Sunday, farmers can continue to support the public to be more conscious consumers and encourage further support for British food and farming.
“After the tremendous success we ask all of our current and future host farmers to put next year’s date in their diary now.”
Some farms marked the death of Caroline Drummond, the driving force behind the annual event, who died last month.
Ms Shackleton said: “Seeing hundreds of families at events was a fitting tribute to Caroline, who always loved to see the public on-farm, learning about this industry we’re all so passionate about.”
Next year’s Leaf Open Farm Sunday is on June 11.