On 7th June 2026, farms across the UK will once again open their gates for Open Farm Sunday, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Each year, the event brings people closer to the landscapes, food systems and environmental work that shape the countryside. The 2025 impact report shows just how powerful this day has become, not only for education but also for inspiring future careers across the land‑based sector.
In 2025, 200,197 visitors attended Open Farm Sunday events, an 11% increase on 2024. The audience was a genuine mix of ages and backgrounds, with a near 50:50 urban–rural split, and notably, 23% of visitors had never been on a farm before. As LEAF’s report highlights, people arrived “hungry to learn about British farming” and left with a deeper appreciation of how farmers produce food while caring for nature.
The educational impact is remarkable. 94% of visitors said they increased their understanding of farming with nature, and 92% reported greater trust in British food and farming. Even more striking, 91% learnt something new, and 37% said the day had inspired someone in their group to consider a career in farming. These are not small shifts; they show how a single day on the farm can change perceptions, spark curiosity and open doors to future opportunities.
The event also strengthened community connections. Three months after attending, 87% of visitors felt more connected to the people who produce their food, and 84% said they better understood what it means to produce food sustainably. Many reported making changes in their daily lives, from choosing more British-grown produce to talking more openly about farming and environmental issues. As one visitor put it, the day offered “a renewed interest in farming and environmental matters,” while another described the “family nature of the event… educating us all, whilst having fun together.”
For farmers, the event remains a rewarding experience. In 2025, 271 host farmers took part, a 20% increase on the previous year, with 57 first-time hosts. Their motivations were clear: 86% wanted to promote a positive image of farming, 83% aimed to inform visitors about sustainable practices, and 80% hoped to strengthen community relations. Many described the day as “phenomenal,” “rewarding,” and “the best event we have ever been to as farmers.”
As we look ahead to 2026, the significance of Open Farm Sunday definitely extends beyond the farm gate. The event helps people understand the breadth of roles that support the rural economy from food production and land management to ecology, surveying, forestry, agri‑tech and environmental stewardship. For those who leave inspired and want to explore what a future in the sector might look like, platforms such as LandIt.jobs offer a way to discover real opportunities across the land‑based professions.
Open Farm Sunday is, at its heart, about the connection between people, food, landscapes and the professionals who care for them. The 20th anniversary in 2026 promises to build on that legacy, continuing to educate, inspire and strengthen the relationship between farming and the wider public.
Want to get involved or know someone who would? You can find out more on the LEAF website.