Staycations and the new opportunities for farmers
The staycation is the new reality for summer holidays, and the British farming industry must seize this period to promote British food and farming practices – they have never had such an open opportunity.
While farmers themselves have enough to do on a daily basis, we must rely on all the organisations supported by farmers to promote the wonderful seasonal produce that can be harvested in this country, provided we are allowed to bring in enough pickers, for we rely on a huge number of experienced and dedicated seasonal workers, who are prepared to work long hours, often in difficult conditions, to bring the produce to market in its ideal condition.
And we must rely on everyone to ensure that people respect the countryside. It is a working area and, while the public are encouraged to enjoy public access areas, they must realise that they cannot go wherever they wish. It is not OK to go into any field to picnic, don’t let that dog loose unless it is a designated area, and do take any litter home.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the countryside, but there is a real need for education on countryside matters.
Sarah Norton is a retired rural dweller living near Shrewsbury
