NATIONAL charity LEAF will be organising a series of workshops across the North West during March and April in order to aid farmers in their preparation for the sixth year of the annual event Open Farm Sunday, which takes place on June 12.
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) work to help farmers improve the way in which they farm by encouraging them to take up Intergrated Farming, and also working to create a better public understanding through their national network of Demonstration Farms, Innovation Centres and initiatives like Open Farm Sunday.
The annual event invites visitors to explore first hand life on British farms, allowing them to discover for themselves what happens beyond the farm gates and the ways in which farmers produce food and care for our countryside.
A workshop will be taking place at The Grange in Mickle Trafford on Friday, March 18. Beginning at 1pm, the workshop will be lead by Open Farm Sunday's North West regional coordinator Huw Rowlands.
He said: “Whether you're planning to open for Open Farm Sunday or organise alternative farm visits, these workshops are a great opportunity to talk to people who have opened their farms before.”
Over 450 farms across the country, from Cheshire to Cornwall, Flintshire to Fife and Norfolk to Northumberland are expected to participate on June 12. Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton commented: “Last year more people attended Open Farm Sunday events than Glastonbury and we're keen to build on that success.
“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. The workshops themselves are relaxed and informal- there is something for everyone, however large or small your event”.
Farmers can book a place on a workshop by telephoning LEAF on 02476 413 911 or by emailing annabel.shackleton@leafuk.org.
