Northern Irish food producers back farming initiative

Eight prominent Northern Ireland food and drink producers are supporting this year's popular Open Farm Weekend sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

The eight food producers are among 17 farms which have signed up to participate in the popular event and have undergone training to help them be prepared to welcome the public this summer.

Running on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June, the popular initiative gives consumers and their families the opportunity to visit farms across Northern Ireland, for free.

The farm-based food and drink producers include beef, cabrito, cider and beer processors. They include a newcomer to the event - Mossbrook Farm in Carryduff, county Down, home of the Farm House Treats bakery.

The group includes two successful producers of cider, apple juices and cider vinegar - Armagh Apple Company in Portadown, county Armagh, a Northern Irish pioneer of cider production, and a multi-award-winner Long Meadow Farm of Loughgall, also from county Armagh, Northern Ireland's 'orchard county' and home of the PGI accredited Bramley apple.

Other participants include Dexter beef processor Castlescreen Farm, Downpatrick, county Down, Hillstown from Randalstown in county Antrim, a producer of Wagyu beef and craft beers, and Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, a specialist in cabrito and rose veal.

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs in Newtownbutler, county Fermanagh has won UK Great Taste Awards and Blas na hEireann awards for its eggs from six flocks totally 60,000 hens.

Acton House Farm in Newry, county Down grows oats for White's, the Northern Irish porridge and muesli producer.

Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend chairman and former Ulster Farmers' Union president Barclay Bell says: "Now more than ever farmers need to be telling their story and this initiative is a great way for us to engage with the public and show them the industry up-close.

"Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is a fairly new initiative with the UFU's 100 year history but it has become an important part of our work for the past seven years, allowing us to reach out to the non-farming community to promote the vital work of farmers across Northern Ireland.

"Many farms have been handed down through the generations, passing on skills and looking after livestock and the land, and so the event this summer allows us to celebrate the individual farm's story both in the present and in the past."

Bank of Ireland Agriculture Manager NI Richard Primrose adds: "We are delighted that 17 farms have volunteered to participate this summer, particularly given the difficulties the winter weather has brought.

"We are pleased to support the farmers in this important initiative that gives the general public an insight into the industry. These dedicated farmers are to be commended for taking the lead in communicating their story to a wider audience and we are grateful for all the effort and commitment they put into hosting our visitors. We look forward to welcoming our local communities to Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend in June - it is a great day out for all the family."

Visitors can plan journeys to the participating farms on the website which lists the various opening times and activities which are unique to each farm. In the UFU's special Centenary year, farms will also be raising money for the nominated charity, Air Ambulance NI.

The Ulster Farmers' Union led initiative, principally supported by the Bank of Ireland UK, has been running since 2012 and has attracted almost 90,000 people throughout that time. The event is also sponsored by Asda, Cranswick and NFU Mutual and supported by Food NI, CAFRE, DAERA and the YFCU.

Pic: Peter and Pat McKeever of Long Meadow Apple Farm in county Armagh