FARMERS are urged to open their gates to city families for a day next month.
Now in its fifth year, Farm Day offers a unique opportunity for farmers to showcase what they do and give city people a better understanding of what farming's all about, according to organiser Deb Bain.
"There's a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding of farming issues in the urban population simply because city people are disconnected from the source of their food and fibre," Ms Bain said.
More than 1000 city families have visited farms around Australia over the past four years as part of the scheme.
Nalangil dairy farmers Rod and Libby Swayn and their two children participated for the first time last year, hosting a family from Essendon.
"We gave them a pretty good understanding of what we do and our daily routine, including feeding and milking the cows and calves, and the kids all played together," Rod said.
The Swayns will open their property, near Colac, to a city family as part of Farm Day on May 29-30 and encourage other farmers to become involved.
The call comes as a new education group wanting students to learn more about agriculture at school is launched.
The Primary Industries Education Foundation will represent the farm sector in the new national curriculum currently being drawn up.
For Farm Day details visit the Farm Day website or phone 1300 367 036.
