LOFS 2023: Farmers report rising interest in local food
20th June 2023
Over 250 farmers took part in this year’s LEAF Open Farm Sunday, welcoming more than 170,000 people for trailer tours, farm walks, tastings and Q&As.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Hampton Estate Farms (hosted by Molly Biddell, left).
Farmers across the country opened their gates to the public for LOFS on 11th June, with the aim of bridging the gap between farm and fork.
It was also an opportunity to demonstrate industry’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and delivering nutritious food and a well-managed countryside.
Each unique event showcased the farming industry and the science and technology involved, covering arable, horticulture, livestock and agro-forestry. The free event was even highlighted by Martin Lewis, pulling in more visitors.
One LOFS visitor in North Yorkshire commented: “Had a brilliant day at Wildon Grange Farm today about 20 mins from our home in Thirsk. Learnt so much about dairy farming. The children loved it and left feeling inspired.
“My little boy has not stopped talking about looking for baby cows using the vet’s scanning machine and my teenage daughter thinks she may want to go into farming when she leaves school. Thank you so much.”
LOFS manager Annabel Shackleton said the public is more aware than ever of the value of food – both in terms of the cost and food security. The event offers an opportunity for the whole sector to unite and build support for farming – not only raising the profile of British food, but also inspiring the next generation of agri-food professionals, she added.
“We are seeing an ever-increasing desire amongst the public to learn more about where their food comes from. By taking part in LOFS, farmers continue to help change people’s perceptions and understanding of the industry. It is a truly magical day, bringing farming to life for thousands of visitors.”
Parc Grace Dieu Farm offered trailer tours around its bison, horses and farming operation, with stops for questions. © Anna Sutton/Parc Grace Dieu Farm.
Farmers’ experiences
Carol Kermode, of Orrisdale Farm in the Isle of Man, said visitors this year were much more interested in farm assurance and what the farm is doing for the environment and sustainability, compared to their last LOFS event in 2018.
“Awareness and appreciation about the availability of local food – probably a result of lockdown – has definitely grown,” Carol said.
“Visitors seemed to really enjoy it as a free and fun day out for all the family, without having to be constantly spending! We just need a few more farms on the Isle of Man to take part next year to tell the stories that we can’t so well on our farm, such as dairy and arable.”
Slagnaw Farm in Dumfries and Galloway hosted a self-guided farm walk with team members at various stations to answer questions – for example near the new rotary parlour, the calves, calving shed and silage pit.
Arla also joined the event to hand out samples and talk about where the milk goes when it leaves the farm. Collaborating with the milk processor was “one of the most impactful parts of the day” and allowed them to deliver the full farm to fork story, said farmer Kenneth Campbell.
Several farms offer trailer tours – such as Herefordshire’s Haygrove Newent Farm, which showcased its fruit growing operation, with stops to see the plants and how waste fruit is handled, as well as bees in glass hives brought by a local beekeeper to explain the synergy between pollinators, biodiversity and fruit growing.
“Local community gardeners gave children plants to take home, to grow, and we valued being able to communicate the story behind the fruit available in their local supermarket,” commented Rachel Todd.
Parc Grace Dieu Farm also offered trailer tours around its bison, horses and farming operation, with stops for questions. Anna Sutton said this allowed them to dip their toes into inviting the public onto the farm, without committing to a tourism diversification full time.
Visitors at Hukins Hops near Tenterden.
The LOFS ticketing system helped Hukins Hops in Tenterden to gauge numbers and plan four hour-long walking tours and beer tastings during their event. This highlighted the British hop industry, showing visitors the flavours and beer styles created by English hops.
“This schedule fits in with the daily running of our business, so it was a smooth and enjoyable day,” said Ross Hukins. “[…] I enjoyed hosting interested visitors, people who really wanted to learn about hop growing and brewing beer.”
© Sophie Worrall/Low Swainby Farm.
Similarly, Sophie Worrall of Low Swainby Farm, Yorkshire & Humber, found opening for two hours in the afternoon was manageable. “Everyone who
came is so positive and happy to be on a farm, seeing the animals and being a part of it all.
“Being able to share your farming story is rewarding, and hopefully helps to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers,” she said.
The event also saw LEAF’s honorary president Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh visit Hampton Estate Farms in Surrey. Meanwhile, shadow environment minister Daniel Zeichner MP visited MHS Farms in Cambridgeshire.
LEAF is now urging farmers to think about how they can get involved in next year’s event on 9th June 2024.
