Is that a cow? Scots have a lack of understanding about one of the country's most important industries.

Nearly one-third do not know that porridge begins its journey to the breakfast bowl as oats grown on a farm, it is claimed.

The results of the study come as dozens of farms across Scotland prepare to open their gates tomorrow to give the public a behind-the-scenes look, in an attempt to educate them about the importance of agriculture to the economy and the environment.

The event is being organised by a farming charity, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), which promotes closer links between consumers and farmers and works towards sustainable agriculture.

Yesterday's survey, published by LEAF, showed almost half of Scots - 44 per cent - had never visited a farm compared with 32 per cent in England.

It also found many were unaware of what foods were domestically produced, although about 60 per cent of food eaten is produced on British farms.

It is claimed more than a fifth of adults (22 per cent) were unable to make the link between sausages and bacon starting off as cows and pigs on British farms.

That figure rose - it is said - to more than a third (34 per cent) among the 16-34 age group. And almost a third of Scots (32 per cent) did not know that the ingredients for bread originated on a farm, compared to 23 per cent across the UK.

James Withers, National Farmers' Union Scotland deputy chief executive, said that Scots had lost their connection with the land.

Source: The Scotsman