The farming industry’s annual open day, Leaf Open Farm Sunday (LOFS) will return on Sunday, June 27, to celebrate its 15th event since the initiative was launched in 2006.

At a time when food and farming has generated greater interest than ever before, organisers Leaf (Linking Environment and Farming), is calling on farmers to take part and help promote the British food and farming story.

There is no doubt that Leaf Open Farm Sunday will look slightly different this year. The trend is for smaller events, with activities where visitors can manage their own learning, such as self-guided farm walks.

Every farmer who takes part will still have full autonomy to decide on the type of event they would like to offer, for how long and for how many people.

There is also a greater emphasis on using a free ticketing system, such as TryBooking or Eventbrite, to record and manage visitor numbers with both systems offering an easy, automated solution. There is also flexibility on when events take place.

Central promotion will focus on the 27th but farmers can choose any Sunday in June to open their gates and still benefit from LOFS branding and resources.

Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton explained why it is more important than ever to take part: “Leaf Open Farm Sunday plays a vital role promoting British farming, dispelling myths and helping people to value the food they eat.

"We are actively encouraging more smaller events this year. A simple farm walk for 30 people is both rewarding and manageable for all involved. We know there may be some nervousness around Covid and we want to ensure both host farmers, and visitors attending, feel safe and confident to go ahead.

"As theatres, cinemas and dining indoors reopens, remember transmission rates are significantly reduced outdoors. The farming stage – our wonderful countryside - is the perfect venue to safely welcome visitors.”

She added: “Our research shows that 87 per cent of visitors on Leaf Open Farm Sunday found the day changed the way they think about farming from the technology required to run a farming business through to how more sustainable, regenerative farming is helping to address the climate crisis through better soil and water management, reducing waste, using renewable energy and enhancing biodiversity.

“It is also a chance to raise public awareness of the Countryside Code and public access."

All farmers who register their event at farmsunday.org receive a comprehensive handbook and free resources There is a network of regional LOFS ambassadors and the team at Leaf available to discuss plans and offer guidance. Farmers do not need to be members of Leaf to take part, but they do need to register their event.