Opening the gate to better understanding

For many consumers, food production is something remote, with little understanding of what happens behind the farm gate. Open Farm Sunday gives our industry a chance to change that. 

It allows people to meet farmers, ask questions and better understand the care, skill and commitment that goes into producing food and managing the countryside. 

As a volunteer at a large-scale Open Farm Sunday event for the past four years, I have seen how important it is for farmers to connect with their communities. 

I remember visiting a local farm park with school as a child and being fascinated by the experience of milking cows and making butter, starting my journey towards Young Farmers and the industry I work in today.  

That first-hand experience is why I believe Open Farm Sunday is so valuable. It gives children the chance to experience farming in a way that no classroom or screen can fully replicate. 

With Open Farm Sunday celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, it is a timely reminder of why the event continues to matter.  

What better chance to tell the story of agriculture and build the bridges to help public understanding? 

I encourage anyone wanting to support British farming to get involved; whether that’s through hosting, sponsorship, volunteering or just showing up and supporting a local event. 

Open Farm Sunday is more than a one-day event; it’s a gateway to building a better understanding of British farming, one conversation at a time. 

Yours sincerely, 

Ana Clifton 
Farm trader, Frontier Agriculture