Winter farming festival called off

ORGANISERS of Agrifest South West, one of the South West’s key winter farming events, say it has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) and Agrifest South West committee confirmed the news yesterday citing the tightening of virus restrictions.

The popular primestock and agricultural trade show typically attracted more than 1,000 visitors from across the region. It had been due to take place on Wednesday, November 11 at Westpoint, near Exeter.

The one-day event provides an opportunity for farmers and other agricultural professionals to meet and discuss issues and opportunities in the sector. This year it would have been particularly well attended, given the cancellation of almost all the other farming events through the year.

Robert Venner, Agrifest South West committee chairman, said: “We appreciate this will be a great disappointment to our traders, competitors, stewards and visitors who had been really looking forward to attending. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their support and understanding in these extraordinary times.

“However, we are confident we have made the right decision in the circumstances and must put the welfare of everyone associated with Agrifest South West above all else.”

Agrifest South West will hope to return to Westpoint in November 2021. Further details can be found on the website www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk