This year’s LEAF Open Farm Sunday event, held last month, attracted 175,000 visitors, 20% of whom had not visited a farm before and over half (52%) coming from urban areas.
Visitor feedback shows the true impact of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, with 72% of visitors reporting feeling positive about what the industry is doing to help combat the climate change crisis. In addition, around half (49%) visitors said the visit had inspired someone in their group to consider a career in farming.
LEAF, which has been managing Open Farm Sunday since it began in 2006, supported more than 250 farmers to open their gates from Jersey through to the Shetland Isles for this year’s annual event, raising awareness about food and farming and offering fun, interactive and informative days on farm for families from all walks of life.
The messages shared by farmers resonated with visitors this year, with 95% rating events as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, 79% said they learned something new about British food or farming, and a further 85% reported that visiting a farm on LEAF Open Farm Sunday had increased their trust in British farming.
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday manager, said: “We are thrilled with the hugely positive impact that we have had this year. Farmers are being hit hard by labour shortages and soaring costs, and the fact they have still jumped at the chance to showcase British farming is testament to their commitment and passion when it comes to sharing their story.
“We’ve once again demonstrated the power of LEAF Open Farm Sunday in connecting people – from both urban and rural areas – to where their food comes from, how it is produced and the farmers who make it all happen.”
LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 11. Registrations are already open for farmers wanting to take part.
