Call for farmers to sign up for annual open Sunday event

FARMERS and crofters are being urged to sign up for this year’s Open Farm Sunday event, taking place on June 9.

Working with Linking the Environment and Farming (LEAF), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) wants to see those working in agriculture sharing their story with the public.

The aim is to improve understanding and build loyalty. In doing so the initiative also hopes to educate consumers to make informed buying decisions and support the food and farming industry in Scotland.

It is a great opportunity for farmers to engage with the public.

So far more than 20 farmers in Scotland have signed up to take part in the initiative but QMS and LEAF are keen to see many more taking part. Getting involved can be as simple as hosting a farm walk for a dozen people or a more ambitious approach which could see hundreds of people welcomed to a day of on-farm activities.

Any farmer or crofter who hosts an event can access a range of free resources including flyers, postcards, gate banners, arrows and information posters to help promote their event once they register on the LEAF Open Farm Sunday website.

Rebecca Dawes, Scottish co-ordinator of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, said: “LEAF Open Farm Sunday is a great opportunity for farmers to engage with the public.

“Every event matters and every conversation helps bridge that gap between producers and consumers.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.