14 Jun 2019

LEAF Open Farm Sunday shows greater public engagement than ever

An estimated 230,000 people visited a working farm in England, Wales or Scotland last weekend as part of the Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) Open Farm Sunday event.

And, according to those who hosted an event, people are more engaged, passionate and informed about farming practices and environmental issues than ever before.

Commenting on 2019’s event, LEAF Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton, said, “The overwhelmingly positive response from both farmers and visitors has again illustrated the power of linking the public with farming.

“We are so proud of the positive impact of these events and we shouldn’t underestimate the deeply rewarding experience that they offer visitors. As well as the important opportunity for open dialogue between farmers and the public, many visitors commented on how much they appreciated being welcomed onto farms and the space and freedom to enjoy the countryside in safety.

“Our farmers have been blown away by the calibre and quantity of questions from visitors about environmental practices. It’s inspiring to see so many taking an active interest in how their food is produced and choosing to connect with farmers." 

The Open Farm Sunday events place from the Channel Islands to Shetland, ranging from informal farm walks to self-guided tours, tractor-and-trailer rides and large-scale educational events with organised activities and local stallholders.

Initial statistics suggest that more visitors came from urban locations than in previous years and that there was an increase in the number of people who had never been on a farm before.

Of the 361 events, there was a significant increase in the proportion of smaller events held for up to 50 people, while 33% more farms opened in Yorkshire and 22% more in Scotland. More than 25% of farmers involved were hosting for the first time – in Scotland, this was 50% and in Wales, 38% - and hundreds of volunteers across the industry supported the events, including agronomists, vets and retailers.

Caroline Drummond, LEAF Chief Executive said, “With farming and food supply in the news so much over the last 12 months visitors were more keen than ever this year to know more about how we are producing food and looking after soils and the wider environment.

“We learn best when we get our hands dirty and LEAF Open Farm Sunday is about building real, personal experiences that help everyone feel connected to food and farming and empowered to make better choices for themselves and the environment.

“These are challenging times for agriculture and public support will be critical in the years ahead. That support doesn’t just happen – it is up to farmers and landowners to build these connections and demonstrate all they deliver both as food producers and custodians of the countryside. This is exactly what our farmers have demonstrated so.”

LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2020 will take place on Sunday 7 June. The organisers are calling for more farmers to get involved next year to meet the increasing demand from the public to visit a farm as part of LEAF Open Farm Sunday. For more information visit www.farmsunday.org  

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