WITH two months until LEAF Open Farm Sunday, which will see hundreds of farmers open their farm gates to the public, organisers Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) have today announced the appointment of eight ambassadors to support farmers, crofters and smallholders taking part.

Each with a background in agriculture, their role is to encourage and support farmers looking to open. Ambassadors will share ideas to engage visitors and give practical information on how to implement safe and fun social distancing.

This year the event is putting a strong focus on hosting small, socially-distanced farm walks and talks to provide an intimate insight to what happens on farm.

Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday manager, said: “This year we are seeing more people spending time in the great outdoors and cooking from scratch, and there is a genuine interest across society to learn about where food comes from, the work farmers do and how the countryside is managed.

“With staycations and trips to the countryside increasing, we anticipate there will be more people than ever wanting to visit a farm this summer, and we want to encourage as many farmers as possible to get involved with the confidence they can manage their events safely.

“In order to support farmers, we felt it was important to establish a strong network of ambassadors who have knowledge and experience in on-farm events and LEAF Open Farm Sunday. We are very excited to welcome five new ambassadors, and welcome back three former co-ordinators, forming a strong network to support anyone considering taking part.”

LEAF Open Farm Sunday will take place on June 27.