Open Farm Sunday cultivates better public understanding

• Big increase in farms taking part

• 200,000 people visit local farms

• Good for getting message across

More than 270 farms hosted Open Farm Sunday visits this year – a 20% increase on 2024, say organisers.

The nation’s flagship annual event celebrating British farming is seen as a key way to promote a better public understanding of food production and the work done by growers and livestock producers to look after the counteryside.

Power to engage

As many as 200,000 people visited a farm on Sunday, 8 June, said  Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton, illustrating the power of the farming community to engage, educate, and inspire the public.

“Open Farm Sunday not only celebrates the UK’s farming heritage, it also develops greater connections between people and where their food comes from,” says Mrs Shackleton.

“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.”

New research from LEAF reveals a strong appetite among young people to learn more about the sector with 46% of youngsters saying they would consider a career in farming.

While only 20% people currently see farming as essential to tackling climate change, this highlights an exciting opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and align farming’s role with the values Gen Z cares about most.

Building trust

The event’s far-reaching influence and impact continues to help build trust in British food and farming, championing sustainability and regenerative practices, and reconnecting the public with the realities of food production.

“The LEAF team is blown away by what’s been achieved this year. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who hosted or volunteered, successfully delivering Open Farm Sunday in 2025,” adds Mrs Shackleton.

“As Open Farm Sunday looks to the future, this year’s success serves as a reminder of the event’s power to transform public perceptions and strengthen the connection between people, their food, and the farmers who produce it.”

Ms Shackleton said she wanted to thank Open Farm Sunday’s sponsors, all the farmers, volunteers and wider industry supporters who helped host events across Britain, as well as the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attended.

Next year’s Open Farm Sunday takes place on 7 June 2026.