Event continues to educate the public in how farming works
Open Farm Sunday saw a 20 per cent surge in host farms taking part this year, with some 270 events taking place across England, Scotland and Wales.
Managed by LEAF since it began in 2006, the day welcomed an estimated 200,000 visitors, helping them to develop deeper connections with the land, food, and the farmers who produce it.
Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said the visitor numbers illustrated the power of the farming community to engage, educate, and inspire the public in a powerful way while driving real changes in attitudes.
“Open Farm Sunday not only celebrates the UK’s farming heritage, it also develops greater connections between people and where their food comes from,” she said.
“Hundreds of events across the UK have showcased how farmers are working in harmony with nature and encouraged open discussions that address vital issues, including climate change, sustainability, food security, and youth engagement with agriculture.”
Media outreach played a key role in the increase in host farms and visitor numbers, according to LEAF. Widespread broadcast and print coverage were secured including an Open Farm Sunday main storyline on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers programme, TV coverage on BBC Breakfast and regional channels, and a series of radio interviews syndicated to over 100 stations, reaching an audience of tens of millions.
Interest among the young
New research from LEAF reveals a strong appetite among young people to learn more about the sector, with 46 per cent of Gen Z surveyed saying they would consider a career in farming.
While only one in five currently see farming as essential to tackling climate change, Shackleton said this highlights an exciting opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and align farming’s role with the values Gen Z cares about most.
