Bank Of Ireland Open Farm Weekend Predicts Bumper Crowds Back On Farms
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, which is one of the biggest free awareness initiatives of its kind, is making a welcome return back on farms this weekend with visitor numbers predicted to be 20,000 across the three days.
The initiative is led by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with the support of Bank of Ireland, Asda, NFU Mutual, Livestock & Meat Commission NI, Moy Park, Fibrus and Irish Farmers Journal will take place on Friday 17 June for school children, Saturday 18 Juneand Sunday 19 June for the public and will see 18 working farms give a real behind the scenes snapshot of the local farm to fork story.
President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union David Brown said; “We are delighted to be in a position to host Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend back on farms this year. The last two years have been a challenge for all our farm families and being able to welcome the public and share their passion and enthusiasm will be great to see.
“Our aim with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is to showcase the outstanding contribution our farms and farm families make in producing the quality food we so often take for granted. Throughout this year’s event we will focus on women in agriculture, environmental issues and the farm to fork story and I encourage everyone to visit our farms, speak to our farm families and really celebrate the wonderful produce available right here in Northern Ireland.”
The last two years saw Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend take on a virtual format, and although the in-person interaction with farm families was missed, the event did reach a new audience from across Northern Ireland and beyond. With this in mind, two farms – CAFRE Greenmount Campus and Churchview Farm will be streamed live on Open Farm Weekend’s Facebook page throughout the Friday (CAFRE Greenmount) and Saturday (Churchview Farm)
Opening times will vary, to avoid disappointment please check www.openfarmweekend.com
There are 18 working farms participating this year across all counties: Acton House Farm | Armagh Apple Farm at Ballintaggart House| Blackberry Hill Farm (School’s Day only) | Bullsbrook Farm| Broughgammon Farm| Chesnutt Farms| Churchview Farm| CAFRE Greenmount Campus| CAFRE Enniskillen Campus| D&D Holland| Hollow Farm (School’s Day only) | Jamison Farms| Laurel View Farm| Long Meadow Farm| Millbank Farm| Mullygarry Farm| Redhouse Holsteins (School’s Day only) | Seaview Farms
