Leading food company Pilgrim’s Europe has announced its continued support for Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural education building stronger connections between farmers and the people who enjoy their produce.
Organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, this free initiative will take place from Friday 12th June (for pre-booked school groups), with farms open to the public on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2026.
Farms across Northern Ireland will open their gates, representing a wide range of agri-food sectors including arable, fruit and vegetables, dairy, beef, sheep, pigs and poultry, all offering visitors a unique opportunity to see first-hand how local food is produced and how supply chains operate.
Bessvale Farm will be joining the Open Farm Weekend line-up again this year where there’s always a warm welcome from Jonathan, Bobby and their 4 children who are passionate about helping visitors better understand the value of locally produced food, and the quality available right on their doorstep.
On a recent visit to Bessvale Farm, Hugo Hanna, Regional Broiler Manager at Pilgrim’s Europe said:
“Pilgrim’s Europe is incredibly proud to be participating in and sponsoring an event like the Open Farm Weekend. Our agricultural heritage spans over 80 years, and we are passionate about showcasing this and where our food comes from.
Open Farm Weekend is a really transparent way of showing how we care for our birds, day in, day out, from small chicks through to the birds here at Bessvale.
The Tuft family is an excellent example of the family farms we work with right across Northern Ireland. The family have been growing chickens with us for over 20 years, John initially starting with growing organic chickens, and more recently Johnathan expanding into free range production as well.”
John McLenaghan for the Ulster Farmers’ Union added:
“Open Farm Weekend is about building understanding, particularly among those who may not have a farming background, and highlighting the journey food takes from farm to fork. We are grateful to Pilgrim’s Europe for its continued support in helping us raise awareness of local food production and celebrate the hard work of farming families across Northern Ireland.”
Farms taking part in Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend will welcome schools on Friday 12 June and are open to the public on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June.
