To help farmers prepare for this year’s Open Farm Sunday (12th June), organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is holding a series of workshops across the country in March and April.
The free workshops will be led by the Open Farm Sunday Regional Co-ordinators and will provide farmers with an excellent insight into how to organise successful and enjoyable events, whatever their size. The workshops are ideal for farmers thinking of opening their farms, not just for Open Farm Sunday (OFS) but for schoolchildren and other group visits too, as topics such as health and safety and publicity are covered, as well as ideas for visitor activities.
The workshops also offer farmers who have not opened their gates to the public before, a chance to meet other farmers who have, and hear at first hand how beneficial and enjoyable they have found the experience.
The workshops are part of the support available to farmers from LEAF. Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager, said: “Last year more people attended Open Farm Sunday events than Glastonbury and we’re keen to build on that success and see even more farms across the country taking part. The workshops themselves are relaxed and informal – there is something for everyone, however large your event, so we hope farmers can come along and learn from each other.”
As well as the workshops, LEAF offers farmers a range of free support to help them run successful Open Farm Sunday events. This includes:
• A resource pack containing publicity material (posters, flyers, etc), suggested activities, Health and Safety guidance, polo shirts and lots more!
• Website where farmers can find the full list of workshops, register their event, order free resource packs or find out more about Open Farm Sunday
Now in its sixth year, Open Farm Sunday gives the public the opportunity to discover where their food comes from and how farmers care for the countryside. Over 450 farms across the country, from Cheshire to Cornwall, Flintshire to Fife and Norfolk to Northumberland, are expected to open. As Annabel explains: “There are real business benefits too for those farmers who host events: it can help you improve sales, learn new marketing skills, and build staff morale and sense of pride. You can gain new contacts, or simply improve relationships with your local community.”
