Bridge the gap on Farmday
What is FarmDay?
For more information click image
FarmDay is a national event where a farm family hosts a city family for a day providing an opportunity for social interaction and a real hands-on experience leading to a greater understanding of the modern working farm.
Why have FarmDay?
FarmDay aims to help foster greater understanding of farming amongst city people by sharing a day of ‘fun, friendship and understanding’ with a family on a farm. The city guests have a chance to see first-hand how a modern farmer operates, and its importance to them in their daily lives.
How does FarmDay work?
FarmDay is publicised through the media and various networks. City and farming families interested in participating can register at www.farmday.com.au.
Families are matched based on things like interests, ages of children and distance willing to travel. FarmDay staff contact every registrant to further assist in making the best match.
When is FarmDay?
FarmDay is held Australia-wide on the last weekend of May each year. In 2009 it will be on 30 and 31 May.Does FarmDay really make a difference?
It is important to know if FarmDay is really achieving its goals, so each year we survey participants to see how they enjoyed the experience and to establish what city participants learned. Here’s what they said in 2008:
- 99% said farmers are important to Australian society
- 90% said they gained an understanding of the role of farming in our daily lives
- 93% said they learned that farmers genuinely care for their animals
- 84% said that farmers were committed to enhancing/protecting the environment
- 98% said they would buy more Australianproducts
In addition, our media activity reached over 11 million Australians, raising awareness of the need for understanding between rural and urban Australia.
Want to be part of FarmDay’s success?
You can help in many ways – big or small. Here’s how:
- Take part in FarmDay – host a family, in 2008 95% of farmer participants and 99% of city participants said they enjoyed the experience
- Talk about FarmDay – if you think FarmDay is a great event, talk about it! Tell neighbours, friends and family members and encourage them to get involved
- Get your community involved – encourage other farmers in your district to get involved, and your local town might have accommodation providers and other attractions that your city guests may enjoy over the FarmDay weekend
A message from one of the organisers
Let me introduce myself, I'm Lyn Heenan a Stoneleigh resident who helps to organise the national event FarmDay with Stockyard Hill resident Deb Bain (both just south of Beaufort).
It is an event that is designed to breakdown the rural urban divide in a day of "fun, friendship and understanding". In basic terms it allows insight for the city family to witness first hand what goes into producing their food and fibre.
Now in its fourth year the FarmDay Team are keen to see how far our message will reach. Growing from humble beginnings with 60 families to last year matching 300 city families we envisage matching many more than that this year.
Already we have over 300 families on a waiting list and as our media campaign starts rolling out we expect to have well over 1500 on our list by 30 and 31May. However our need is to have more farmers open their gate and host a city family. As currently the statistics sit at three city families to every one farming family.
We know that times are tough for many of our farmers, but we do ask them to consider this opportunity in encouraging our urban neighbours to buy Australian produce and help educate the younger generations some critical basics of where there food comes from.
It has also been said quite often from our farmers that viewing their farm through fresh eyes gives them great pride in their farm and the achievements they have made in their business.
The attached documents will give a better understanding of the event, however if you would like any further information please call me on 1300 367 036. Also the website is a great source of information and if you visit the photos page you will certainly have a glimpse at the joy this program creates.
Many thanks, Lyn
On behalf of Deb and the FarmDay Team.
ph: 1300 367 036 www.farmday.com.au