AHDB-funded training places available for first-time Open Farm Sunday hosts

We are offering fully funded training places to support farmers hosting Open Farm Sunday for the first time, helping them confidently open their gates to the public ahead of this year’s 20th anniversary on 7 June.

As a long-term supporter of Open Farm Sunday, we are funding 20 places on a bespoke Countryside Education Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) training course.

The tailored three-day accredited course focuses on building confidence in public engagement.

It will give farmers the communication skills, practical tools and structured planning to create safe, fun and memorable on-farm experiences.

Applications are open to all beef, sheep and dairy levy payers who are planning to host Open Farm Sunday for the first time.

Training dates and locations:

• Leeds: 12, 13 and 25 March
• Cambridge: 18, 19 and 26 March

Participants will leave with a clear event plan and a nationally recognised accreditation.

Applications have now closed.

To contact the Open Farm Sunday team directly, email OpenFarmSunday@leaf.eco or call 07912 463151

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager at LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), said:

“These fully funded CEVAS training places are a fabulous opportunity for newcomers to Open Farm Sunday to build their confidence and feel fully prepared to welcome the public onto their farms.

“Opening your gates for the first time can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and support, it becomes an incredibly positive and rewarding experience.

“We’re incredibly grateful to AHDB for helping more farmers take part in our 20^th Open Farm Sunday.”

This opportunity complements the webinars, one-day events and online resources available to all Open Farm Sunday host farmers.

We want farmers to feel confident, able and proud to share their farming story.