Open gates, open minds

THE organisers of Open Farm Sunday (OFS), Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) are encouraging more farmers to enjoy the multiple benefits that come from showcasing British farming by hosting an event in June this year.

Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton, offers words of support to anyone considering hosting an event on June 9, 2024: “There’s a huge opportunity to engage with an eager audience - people are genuinely curious to see behind the farm gate.

“Whatever the size of your event, you’ll be making a significant contribution to people’s understanding of farming and food production. By putting their stories centre stage, farmers are the true heroes of the day,” she says.

LEAF research highlights the value to farmers of having positive conversations, feeling heard and appreciated by the public. For 88% of farmers the main reason they take part in OFS is to promote a positive image of the industry. After attending an event, an overwhelming 96% of visitors say they leave with a greater appreciation of the work farmers do.

To support the delivery of events this year, prospective hosts can join Open Farm Sunday’s online Zoom meetings running until May 22, look through the OFS Information Pack on the website, or telephone the OFS team to talk through event ideas and get questions answered.

Speaking about hosting an Open Farm Sunday event, Kasi McReddie, from Ernespie Farm in Castle Douglas said: “An Open Farm Sunday event doesn’t need to be a grand scale, it can be just as fantastic with 20 people coming from the local church group or school. It doesn’t even need to take place on a Sunday, it could be as simple as hosting a farm walk one evening. The most important thing is making the event work for you. It’s something you can really build your confidence with and grow on your own terms over time.”

Celebrating its 18th anniversary this summer, Open Farm Sunday is focused on encouraging more farmers to open their gates and put farming centre stage.