Farmer opens his gates to the public this summer

SAINTFIELD: Cleland Farm will open its gates to the public on Saturday June 23 as part of Open Farm Weekend, a new initiative being headed up by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, which will invite the wider community to visit local participating farms to learn more about the story behind their food.

Run by local man Crosby Cleland, the 166 acre grassland sheep farm has been in the family for at least four generations and produces around 1,200 lambs each year. As part of Open Farm Weekend, the public will be able to see firsthand the work goes on behind the scenes of this busy local business.

John Thompson, President of the UFU said, “The provenance of food has never been more important as consumers become increasingly more aware of food miles and the importance of supporting local.”

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By getting to know the story behind local food, it will encourage respect for both the food itself and for the local farmers who produce it.”

Crosby Cleland of Cleland Farm said, “Open Farm Weekend is a fantastic way of letting the public see what happens at farm level and how their food reaches them. People not directly involved in the farming community may not have an awareness of how farms work, so this is an excellent way of both having some outdoor family fun and learning more about the story of Northern Ireland food. Our plans are well underway and there will be plenty for all the family to see and do this June here at Cleland Farm.”

In total 14 farms across Northern Ireland will be taking part in Open Farm Weekend with each planning a unique event either on one or both of the days over the weekend. For information visit the website on www.openfarmweekend.com or follow Open Farm Weekend on Facebook or Twitter.