Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years of connecting people with farming

LEAF Open Farm Sunday (OFS) returns on 7 June 2026, marking 20 years as the UK’s leading on-farm event.

As a long-term sponsor, we are encouraging farmers to get involved and help connect people with how their food is produced.

The event is a chance to show how farming works alongside nature, inspiring people to make more informed and environmentally conscious food choices.

Since 2006, OFS has served as a reminder of the positive benefits of engaging with visitors. Last year saw a 20% increase in the number of host farms, which welcomed over 200,000 people. As a result:

• 92% of visitors said they felt greater trust in British food and farming
• 94% left with a better understanding of how farmers work with nature
• 87% felt more connected to the people producing their food

This year, we have supported 10 new host farmers to undertake a bespoke Countryside Education Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) training course, delivered by LEAF. The training helps farmers prepare to welcome visitors to their farms.

Elsa Healey, AHDB Senior Education Manager, said:

“Open Farm Sunday is more than an annual day out. It’s a chance to bring communities closer to farming.

“By supporting new host farmers, we’re helping them to feel confident opening their farm gates and having real conversations about how food is produced and where it comes from.”

Celia Smith of Norton Court Farm in the Severn Valley, Gloucestershire, was one of the farmers who undertook the AHDB-funded training. Celia said:

“It was inspiring for me to meet other farmers and hear their stories, and the practical training was invaluable. It provided a solid framework for our plans: the nuts and bolts of designing the schedule for the day, as well as how to promote it.

“I’m intending to develop our existing relationships with local primary schools, offering farm visits throughout the year. Again, the training I received is invaluable. I recommend it!”

A mixed dairy, beef and arable farm, Norton Court’s primary focus is on low-input, regenerative farming that produces nutrient-dense food while supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

The farm is offering activities from 6:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday 7 June, including:

• Guided dawn chorus walk
• Morning and afternoon milking
• Self-guided farm walks
• Children’s craft activities

There will also be tractor and trailer rides to the new community garden.

Tea and cake will be on sale, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.

Entry is free, with a small charge for some of the activities. Proceeds will support the Curlew Action Charity.