Asda is once again supporting Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, which is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. The retailer first came on board as a sponsor in 2014 confirming its commitment to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.
Twenty-three farms have signed up to participate in Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2016, including Asda supplier Cavanagh Free Range Eggs in County Fermanagh.
Run by John and Eileen Hall, Cavanagh Free Range Eggs came on board as an Asda supplier in May 2016 and now supplies all 16 stores in Northern Ireland with its award winning eggs. Eileen is also currently part of Asda’s Supplier Development Academy, which seeks to help local food producers boost their business potential with the retailer.
Joe McDonald, Asda NI Corporate Affairs Manager commented, “Asda is very proud to sponsor Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend. As a business we are committed to supporting the growth of the agri-food sector and helping local suppliers. Cavanagh Free Range Eggs is a great example of how initiatives such as our Supplier Development Academy are delivering positive business results for local producers. We would like to encourage everyone to get out and about during Open Farm Weekend and learn more about the wealth of fantastic local produce we have in Northern Ireland.”
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend Chairman and UFU President Barclay Bell added, “We are very grateful to Asda for its continued support. Asda also supported our schools art competition this year that was linked with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, and we do appreciate their commitment via these sponsorships.”
Cavanagh Free Range Eggs will open on Saturday 18th June from 11am to 5pm. Visitors will get to see the hens in their natural environment and enjoy a tour of the farm. There will be refreshments and sampling as well as poultry-related games and crafts for children.
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is delivered by Ulster Farmers’ Union and is sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK and supported by Asda, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, NFU Mutual and Tesco. The weekend would not be possible without the help and resources of Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, CAFRE, DEARA, the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Food NI and the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.
For more information and to plan your journey to your nearest Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend event, visit the new website www.openfarmweekend.com, follow on Twitter @BOIopenfarm and like Open Farm Weekend on Facebook. Please note, each farm has unique opening hours so check the website for the exact opening days and hours of each farm.
