The public showed its support for British farming en masse last weekend with over a quarter of a million people visiting farms for LEAF Open Farm Sunday.
Initial estimates indicate that over 250k people spent the day at one of the 358 farms across the country that hosted an event.
Press and media attention was extensive with coverage on national radio and TV including ITV's Good Morning Britain and This Morning, as well as in consumer media.
Radio 2's Chris Evans who interviewed dairy farmer Abi Reader on air, backed the campaign by visiting his local Open Farm Sunday event and called for more farmers to take part next year.
Day to be proud of
"Once again, farmers from across the country have come together to showcase the diversity and importance of British farming," said Caroline Drummond, LEAF chief executive.
"We have had another spectacular year, with visitor numbers showing a clear interest from the public in finding out more about farming.
"This year's Open Farm Sunday was a day the whole industry should be justifiably proud of.
"We called on the public to get out and show their support for UK farmers and they did just this in their thousands."
Passion and energy
LEAF also welcomed its Honorary President, the Countess of Wessex to the Waitrose Farm, Leckford Estate where she toured the event and spoke with staff, helpers and visitors, as well as speaking with ITV Meridian for a feature on the evening news.
Ms Drummond said "Her genuine interest and commitment to helping the farming industry connect with the public was clearly evident."
"As the industry negotiates its way towards leaving the European Union, it has never been more important for farmers to reach out to their customers.
"Their passion and energy will go a long way to making a difference to how the public perceive farming and understand its value.
"We'd like even more people to have a chance to visit a farm next year."
