The annual event, which sees farmers and growers across the country open their farms to the public, has been a huge success for Michael Sly and his team at Park Farm, Thorney, near Peterborough, who have been hosting events since Open Farm Sunday began in 2006.
They had 12 visitors at their first event. The farm has since welcomed more than 119,000 people to Open Farm Sundays.
A real team effort
NFU member Michael, former NFU Sugar Board Chair, collected the award from Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, at ceremony held in Hampshire, run by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday.
He said: “I feel very proud. This has been a real team effort, and this award is for everyone at Park Farm who has been involved and all the volunteers that have helped us over the years.
“We do this to help the public to understand more about British food and farming, to learn about how their food is produced and show them how we look after the countryside.
“People go away feeling reassured that their food is being produced ethically, to high standards and great British countryside is in safe hands with farmers caring for it.”
Open Farm Sunday is managed by LEAF, a charity which promotes sustainable food and agriculture.
Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is LEAF’s Honorary President.
3.5 million people visiting farms
Since launching in 2006, Open Farm Sunday has given over 3.5 million people the opportunity to visit working farms, meet the people who produce their food and learn more about the vital role farming plays in the environment, the economy and rural communities.
In 2009 Park Farm welcomed the Peterborough Farm Preservation Society to expand the Open Farm Sunday event to two days over the weekend.
Michael said: “We’ve managed to create a great community event, which has captured the public’s imagination.
“I think it’s important to bring farmers together, as well, at events like this, to have a laugh and enjoy each other’s company. In among all of the pressures farmers are dealing with, we need to look after everyone’s wellbeing.”
'A remarkable achievement'
NFU Regional Director for the East of England Zoe Leach said: “A huge congratulations to Michael and his team at Park Farm.
“From starting with just 12 people at their first event to go on to welcoming more than 119,000 visitors over the years is a remarkable achievement and they have clearly put so much work into making this event the success it has become.
“Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic event, which many of our members and staff get involved in.
"It is a great way to engage with people from all different backgrounds and help people to understand more about British food and farming, while coming together to have a fun day out, socialise and enjoy the countryside.
“I wish everyone good luck with their events this weekend.”
Find out more about this weekend's Open Farm Sunday event at Park Farm, Thorney.