1. It is easy to take part
You do not need to be a member of LEAF to take part, but you do need to register your event at farmsunday.org.
LEAF is offering free online and in-person sessions designed to get you ready to host and offer inspiration for your event. The sessions cover everything you need to know to host an Open Farm Sunday event and are running until the end of May. Find out more at farmsunday.org.
NFU members will be able to order a complementary event kit for Open Farm Sunday, which includes activity booklets for children, seed sticks and the latest issue of Countryside magazine. To secure your kit, fill in our expression of interest form before 28 May.
Fill in our expression of interest form
2. Tailor your Open Farm Sunday event to your story
There’s no set formula for an Open Farm Sunday event – so reflect your story in the activities you offer on the day. Activities differ from farm to farm, but some ideas could include the following.
- A guided farm walk.
- A nature trail.
- Tractor and trailer rides.
- Activities for children.
- A farmers market.
- Machinery demonstrations.
“Whatever you’ve got, people will find interesting – you don’t need lots of animals or big shiny tractors – it’s just all about food and the farming story.”
Simon Day, Farm Manager at Worth Farms who have held Open Farm Sunday events since 2006
3. Showcase the whole food journey from farm to fork
Open Farm Sunday provides an opportunity to show visitors all the vital work that farmers do in Britain, showcasing all the stages and effort that goes into producing food for the British public.
When asked, 91% of visitors last year said they felt encouraged to buy more British food.
4. You’ll be reaching a new audience
Open Farm Sunday provides an invaluable opportunity to give those not involved with agriculture a positive, and valuable, experience.
Of those who visited farms last year, 23% said they had never visited a farm before, while 86% of visitors felt they had learnt something new about farming.
Last year, Open Farm Sunday attracted 217 pieces of media coverage, continuing to spotlight the hard work that farmers do in Britain.
“Even the simplest items and tasks – like touching some grain or holding an EID tag – can be truly eye-opening for visitors.”
LEAF Education specialist, Sam Wyman
5. You can inspire the next generation
Open Farm Sunday is an excellent way to educate the next generation about agriculture in Britain, showing the breadth of careers available. Last year, 38% of visitors said Open Farm Sunday had inspired someone in their group to consider a career in farming.
6. You can showcase nature protection
Last year 75% of farmers said they took part in Open Farm Sunday in order to inform visitors about sustainable farming practices, illustrating all the work they do to protect the environment and enhance nature.
“By connecting with consumers and inspiring the public to appreciate the sustainable farming practices that nurture nature, we can show how we produce food they can trust, while protecting the environment.”
Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager.
