Given my past (and ongoing) affiliations with LEAF their stand was one that I was bound to visit when I attended Cereals yesterday. Their presence was small but as lively as ever and I was really pleased to hear that once again well over 400 UK farms will be inviting the public in to have a look round next Sunday, June 13th - Open Farm Sunday - which it initiated..
I was even more thrilled to learn that all four Defra ministers will be visiting an Open Farm that day. One member of the previous team turned up at a few past Open Sundays. But all four is unprecendented. Furthermore, I gather top civil servants in the department have also been urged by their new political masters to visit the farm nearest to where they live.
OK its just support and its not much needed money. But it must be a sign that the new administration appreciates what LEAF is doing - promoting the production of safe wholesome food at affordable prices while at the same time trying to enhance the environment - and it will surely inspire more farmers to follow that path while vindicating the efforts of the small but dedicated LEAF team. Well done you lot.