The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement on planned measures to relax some of the restrictions put in place by the Government to control the spread of Covid-19.

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said, “With all of the disease indicators beginning to move in the right direction, it is the appropriate time to plan how we start the process of moving from lockdown to a new normality. However, this must be undertaken carefully to ensure that we do not create a new surge in disease spread. While it may be some time before we see the reopening of restaurants, cafés and pubs, farm-focused attractions based in the outdoors, could lead the way in getting things moving again.”

With appropriate guidance on social distancing, the provision of hand washing facilities and good people management, there is no reason why farm-attractions cannot be at the forefront of the recovery in activity as we head into mid-summer.

“The Prime Minister has signalled that it will soon be possible for the public to take greater advantage of outdoor exercise. However, it will not be until July at the earliest until we see the reopening of the hospitality sector. Subject to scientific and practical advice, farm-based attractions up and down the country could provide an early opening of the hospitality sector.

“Farm-based attractions offer many advantages, but will require careful management to ensure that they do not become overwhelmed with too many people attending at once. Keeping people outside in the sunshine, whilst enjoying hospitality, must be the way forward as we begin to relax the current restrictions. We may also need to move at different speeds with England being in a position to move before Wales for example. However, I would urge Governments in all parts of the UK to be working with the farming community to achieve this.

“Getting the public out onto farm-based attractions again safely will also be a great way to connect the public with some of the great food that they have been missing with the closure of cafés and restaurants. Items like artisan cheeses, beers, speciality bread, fresh berries, charcuterie and other meat products will be in great demand.”