Start planning for Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday organisers are urging farmers to start planning now, to help ensure this year’s campaign is the most successful one yet.
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June 7 is the date for the tenth anniversary for Open Farm Sunday and to help farmers plan their event LEAF (linking Environment and Farming) is holding a series of free Information Events around the country, starting this month.

Ten free information events are already scheduled, with the first three taking place in Scotland, starting in Castleton, Aberdeenshire on Tuesday, January 20.

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The second event will be at West Craigie’s Farm near Edinburgh on Wednesday, January 28 and the third in Dumfries on February 3.

The events provide an invaluable opportunity for farmers to exchange ideas and advice – whether they are opening for the first or the tenth time!

LEAF’s OFS co-ordinator in Scotland, Rebecca Dawes, will be updating farmers on the latest health and safety regulations, as well as offering ideas on how to make Open Farm Sunday and School Days events as enjoyable for visitors as possible.

There will also be activity suggestions for all types of farms and for farmers planning for events of all sizes, from small private farm walks to those who are aiming to welcome hundreds of visitors.

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Farmers can now register to take part in Open Farm Sunday and Open Farm School Days at www.farmsunday.org and they can also book their place on an Information Event on the website too.

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager is calling on all farmers to take part in Open Farm Sunday and to start planning their event now.

She said: “Whether you are an arable or dairy farm, have other livestock or grow fresh produce.

“Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to tell your story and to celebrate all that is great about British farming.

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“We need the public to value the food they eat and appreciate the work and the passion that our farmers put into producing our food – the best way to do this is to show them around your farm on Open Farm Sunday.

“Farmers that take part report real business benefits with better community relations and local profile, top of the list.

“As we enter our tenth year, the LEAF team provides a wealth of experience and support to host farmers on all aspects of opening their farm through information events, the website and our team of regional co-ordinators.”

There are still sponsorship opportunities available for 2015.

Any organisations keen to sponsor Open Farm Sunday 2015 are asked to contact Annabel Shackleton on 024 7641 3911 or 079 1246 3151.

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