Hundreds of farmers across the country will open their gates this weekend for an event designed to bring the world of farming closer to the public. Open Farm Sunday, now in its 19th year, aims to showcase the diversity, innovation, and sustainable practices within modern farming.
Organised by Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), a global charity focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, the event encourages farmers to invite people onto their farms to learn more about where their food comes from and how farming contributes to environmental sustainability. The charity’s goal is to build a resilient food system for future generations by fostering a better connection between farmers and consumers.
Organisers and participants agree that Open Farm Sunday is more important than ever. There is a growing sense that many people, especially younger generations, feel disconnected from agriculture and the processes behind their food. This event offers a chance to break down barriers and outdated perceptions, giving everyone a firsthand look at the realities of farming today.
David Jones, project manager at The Woodlands Farm Trust in Welling, highlights the role farming plays in sustainable living. He explains that recent research showed how disconnected many young people feel from agriculture, making events like Open Farm Sunday crucial. It allows them to witness the day-to-day workings of a farm and understand the importance of farming to society.
The research, which surveyed over 2,000 people, revealed some surprising insights. Only one in five respondents recognized farming as essential in tackling climate change. Among Generation Z, although 90% felt farming was relevant to their lives, 37% still believed you have to be born into a farming family to work in the industry—an outdated notion that Open Farm Sunday aims to challenge.
Charlie, who works at Chandler and Dunn farm in Canterbury, Kent, shared his enthusiasm for connecting with visitors. His family farm has been operating for over 200 years and is known for its award-winning Jazz apples, which have even been presented at Buckingham Palace multiple times. Charlie enjoys sharing the countryside with the local community and sees Open Farm Sunday as a privilege.
He hopes the event will inspire young people to consider careers in farming. At Chandler and Dunn, the day includes tractor and trailer rides and is a free opportunity for families to enjoy farm life. Any food and drink sold, along with profits raised, will support the local charity Scope, linking community engagement with charitable causes.
Events like these aim to foster understanding and appreciation of farming’s role in food production and environmental stewardship. With climate change and sustainability high on the public agenda, Open Farm Sunday offers a platform to demonstrate how modern farming is evolving to meet these challenges.
Farmers across the country welcome the chance to share their knowledge and passion, showing visitors the innovative techniques they use to care for the land, protect biodiversity, and produce food sustainably. By opening their farms to the public, they hope to inspire future generations to appreciate the vital importance of farming in society.
This weekend’s open farm events are expected to attract thousands of visitors eager to reconnect with the countryside, learn about farming practices, and enjoy the unique experience of being on a working farm. It’s a celebration of agriculture’s contribution to everyday life and an invitation to explore the farming world firsthand.
