Open Farm Sunday attracts 230,000 visitors

More than 230,000 people visited a working farm in England, Wales or Scotland on Sunday as 361 farms opened their doors to the public.

This included 75 that have pigs as part of their main farm enterprise and 116 farms that included pigs as a part of their event.

LEAF Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said the feedback from both farmers and visitors indicated a growing interest in British agriculture, food production, and in particular sustainable farming practices for land management, soil and water health as well as the role of technology.

She 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 farm and the space and freedom to enjoy the countryside in safety.

Of the 361 events, LEAF said there was a significant increase in the proportion of smaller events held for up to 50 people. More than 25% of farmers involved were hosting for the first time and hundreds of volunteers across the industry supported the events, including agronomists, vets and retailers.

LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2020 will take place on Sunday, June 7. 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.