Agricultural lobby bodies are hoping farm diversification projects – such as rural tourism and hospitality businesses – could lead the UK’s economic recovery.
In last night’s address to the nation, the Prime Minister explained that outdoor activities would be among the first areas where some of the restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19 would be relaxed.
Tenant Farmers Association (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 handwashing facilities and good people management, Dunn said there was no reason why farm-attractions could not 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,” he said.
“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.
“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,” he said.
However, not all are ready to welcome the masses to the countryside just yet.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales has called for the Prime Minister to issue urgent clarification that English lockdown changes do not apply in Wales.
FUW President Glyn Roberts said he was particularly concerned that the Prime Minister’s comment “you can drive to other destinations” would lead people to wrongly assume they could visit Wales; thereby, increasing the risk of introducing the coronavirus to Welsh communities as well as being fined by the police for doing so.
“In March the Welsh Government had to bring in emergency legislation to close footpaths and other public spaces as thousands flocked to Welsh beauty spots, causing a huge risk to themselves and others,” said Roberts.
While people are generally now exercising locally within the restrictions laid down by the Welsh Government, every day our offices are dealing with members who are in the vulnerable category and are concerned that the large numbers of people coming through their farmyards and fields are placing them at risk.
Roberts said that members were also extremely concerned at the number of individuals arriving in rural areas and illegally using second homes.
“We of course value the huge contribution that visitors to Wales make to our economy, but people moving around and spreading the coronavirus is one of the biggest risks we face, and the health of our communities must come first,” he added.
