16th March 2007Farm Day – a national day of ‘fun, friendship and understanding’ – is calling on farmers to host a city family for a day-visit during the weekend of May 26-27.
Conceived by Victorian wool producer, Deb Bain, to help bridge the city-country divide, the first-ever national Farm Day gives city families a chance to learn first-hand about farming life.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to ‘reconnect’ farmers with their city cousins, showcase the modern face of farming and provide an insight into the source of our food and fibre,” Ms Bain said.
“There is a need for city families to see for themselves what happens on a farm in order to gain a balanced understanding of the importance of agriculture.
“Farm Day offers this through a fun, personal experience which creates a memorable and lasting impression.”
Ms Bain was named 2007 RIRDC Rural Victorian Woman of the Year for her efforts in organising last year’s inaugural Farm Day event, staged solely in Victoria, where some 75 city families took part.
For Wilma and Ivan Prentice, who farm at Moondarra, Vic, the reason for taking part last year was to educate city people and change their attitudes towards farmers.
“I thought if we’re able to educate just one family it will be worth it,” Mrs Prentice said.
“My grandchildren live in the city and some of their classmates haven’t a clue where their food comes from.
“I think that because city people don’t understand how we live they’re quick to brand us as whingers who want everything for nothing.
“Farm Day enabled our visiting family from Melbourne to see that we’re professional business people trying to make a living.
“I won’t hesitate to take part again and look forward to Farm Day 2007.”
Farm Day is seeking at least 350 families who are primary producers to host city families across all parts of Australia.
* To take part, visit the Farm Day website and register your details.
