Help Leaf showcase UK farming in online event
© Tim Scrivener Leaf Open Farm Sunday has urged farmers to get involved in its two-day virtual event in September that will focus on food and biodiversity.
Organisers want farmers to share short video clips, photos and stories of food and farming across social media on 19 and 20 September.
The event will feature live interactive tours and demonstrations from farmers and chefs around the UK.
Farmers can take part through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #LOFS20.
On Sunday 20 September, farmers are being invited to open their gates to show how their food is produced and the work they do to protect and enhance the environment.
The interactive weekend follows Leaf’s first virtual event in June, which managed to attract a wider online audience.
Annabel Shackleton, Leaf Open Farm Sunday manager, said the September weekend was the “perfect opportunity” for farmers to tell the real story of UK agriculture.
She added: “It is not the event we had originally planned for 2020, but both of our virtual events, in June and in September, provide an amazing opportunity to involve more farmers from all corners of the country.
“These could be farmers who may not have been able to host a Leaf Open Farm Sunday event for whatever reason before, but who can dip their toe in this year with as little as one photo or a self-made video on their social channels.”
Wider audience
Northumberland mixed farmer John Renner had an online audience of more than 10,000 when he hosted in June.
The long-term Leaf Open Farm Sunday host usually welcomes about 100 people on to his farm and said the virtual events due to coronavirus were an opportunity for the industry to reach a wider audience.
“With the increased interest in cooking from scratch and the provenance of food, this is the moment to maintain the momentum and keep British food front of mind, so when people are in the supermarket they actively select local, sustainably produced or consider buying direct from the farm.
“I would encourage everyone who plays a part in the UK farming industry to get involved this September. It doesn’t take much time and it is really good fun.”