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Ulster ²ÝÁñÉçÇø' Union (UFU) members are showing their support for local farming and food production by taking part in the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian #Farm24 campaign which takes place on August 3.

To mark the event, which uses the power of social media to show the public a day in the life of a farmer, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan (renewables, poultry and beef) and UFU members Vicki Byers (dairy), Aaron Carson (pigs, beef and cereals) and Jonny and Natasha Campbell (dairy) will be showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland (NI) agriculture.

Mr McLenaghan said: "I am looking forward to taking part in this year's #Farm24. It has grown massively over the last number of years and has become a highlight in our annual calendar. Social media has created many opportunities for agriculture as it allows us to demonstrate real life on the farm which not everyone gets to see."

Mr McLenaghan said the award-winning event provided a window of a vital industry allowing the wider public to see where their food came from and the all-important role that farm families have in society.

"We are aiming to give an honest portrayal of local farming and food production, representing our UFU members across NI," he continued. "We are world leaders in food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards, and are continually working to do more to meet the growing demand for food while also tackling climate change. A big focus for me on the day, will be on showing the public how farmers produce renewable energy and are a key asset as we work to create the pathway to a renewable future."

The 24 Hours in Farming (#Farm24) campaign, which is backed by Morrisons, aims to ‘take farming to the masses' via various social media platforms. Last year's event achieved a reach of 28 million people and was supported by the Prime Minister, celebrities, athletes, chefs as well as social media influencers.