McDonalds champion Open Farm Sunday ahead of anniversary

Sponsors and LEAF unite to drive staff engagement and promote sustainable farming

McDonald’s HQ has hosted a special Open Farm Sunday awareness event, bringing together the organisers, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), and sponsors in a united push to boost public engagement ahead of 7 June when hundreds of farms will open to the public.

The event highlights a shared ambition across the supply chain to connect people with where and how their food is produced, while building trust in sustainable farming and helping consumers make informed choices. 

As Open Farm Sunday celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, partners are using the milestone to strengthen the connection from farm to fork and bring the story of farming with nature to wider audiences. 

Caroline Lewis, Sustainable Sourcing Consultant, McDonald’s UK & Ireland said:
“Open Farm Sunday plays an important role in helping people better understand where their food comes from and the farmers behind it. As sponsors, we’re proud to support LEAF in bringing that story to life.

“Welcoming the Open Farm Sunday team to our headquarters was a great way to engage our own people in that mission too. We hope it inspires colleagues to get out onto farms on 7 June and see the care, innovation and high standards that are driving a more sustainable food system.”

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager said:
“The reach and impact of Open Farm Sunday wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. By working together and utilising their networks across the supply chain we can share a vital story that helps more people feel connected to the farms and farmers behind the food they eat every day. 

“Events like this show what can be achieved when brands, farmers and industry organisations have a shared purpose of building confidence in British farming and inspiring more people to engage with the farm to fork journey.” 

Open Farm Sunday is the food and farming sector’s leading platform for public engagement, giving families and communities first-hand experiences on farm life and the opportunity to learn more about sustainable food production. 

In 2025, more than 200,000 people visited Open Farm Sunday events, with 92% reporting increased trust in British food and farming and 94% saying they left with a better understanding of farming with nature. 

By coming together at McDonald’s HQ, sponsors and LEAF are sending a clear, collective message ahead of 7 June – that transparent, collaborative engagement matters, and the whole supply chain has a role to play in helping the public better understand sustainable farming and the future of food. 

For a full press release, view here.

With thanks to our Open Farm Sunday principal sponsors:  AHDB, Arla Foods, BASF, Co-op, Defra, Frontier Agriculture, John Deere, LEAF Marque, Lidl, M&S, McDonald’s, NFU, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.