Open Farm Sunday 9 June 2024: Open gates, open minds

We sponsor LEAF Open Farm Sunday and want to encourage more farmers to enjoy the benefits of showcasing British farming by hosting an event in June this year.

Open Farm Sunday Manager, Annabel Shackleton, said:

“There’s a huge opportunity to engage with an eager audience. People are genuinely curious to see behind the farm gate.

“Whatever the size of your event, you’ll be making a significant contribution to people’s understanding of farming and food production.

"By putting their stories centre stage, farmers are the true heroes of the day.” 

LEAF research highlights the value to farmers of having positive conversations, and feeling heard and appreciated by the public.

The main reason 88% of farmers take part in Open Farm Sunday (OFS) is to promote a positive image of the industry. After attending an event, 96% of visitors say they leave with a greater appreciation of the work farmers do.

Farms across Britain, from Jersey to Shetland, take part in OFS and welcome visitors onto their farms, opening their minds to the world of farming.

Kasi McReddie, Ernespie Farm in Castle Douglas:

“An Open Farm Sunday event doesn’t need to be a grand scale; it can be just as fantastic with 20 people coming from the local church group or school.

"It doesn’t even need to take place on a Sunday. it could be as simple as hosting a farm walk one evening.

"The most important thing is making the event work for you. It’s something you can really build your confidence with and grow on your own terms over time.”

Emma Loder-Symonds, Nonington Farms in Kent:

“There are a huge number of benefits from hosting. For me, one of the best things has been attracting new entrants into the industry.

"Share your farm. Just go and do it and you’ll be amazed at what happens as a result.”

To support the delivery of events this year, prospective hosts can:

• Join the OFS online Zoom meetings running until 22 May
• Look through the OFS Information Pack
• Contact the OFS team to talk through event ideas and get questions answered