Over 100 farms open their gates for Open Farm Sunday

Over 100 farms opened their gates on 27 June for LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2021 – farming’s annual open day.  
For the first Open Farm Sunday since June 2019, organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) thousands of people took the opportunity to visit a working farm and see first-hand all that is involved in the sustainable production of the food they eat and what farmers do to look after the wider environment. Given the current coronavirus regulations, fewer farms than usual chose to open, with pre-booking a key requirement to limit visitor numbers. Most farms offered socially-distanced farm walks or guided tours, giving visitors an opportunity to talk directly with farmers.
Caroline Drummond, LEAF Chief Executive, said: “A huge thank you to all the farmers who opened their gates on Sunday.  LEAF’s ‘Take 30’ campaign to encourage farmers to take small groups of 30 on a farm walk clearly resonated really well.  Of the farms that opened, one in three did so for the first time, so it was wonderful to welcome some new farmers into the LEAF Open Farm Sunday family.  We also really appreciated the feedback we’ve had from farmers who, for a variety of reasons, chose not to open this June, but sent messages of support. Many of them have indicated that they plan to open again in 2022 and we’re already looking forward to next year.”