LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming).
Our year in review.
Our purpose is to promote & facilitate the understanding & adoption of more sustainable farming practices. Helping to create a resilient food & farming system for future generations. We connect. We build trust. We educate.
We connect farmers, innovators, and industry to understand best practice sustainable farm management and how it can be applied most effectively to each farm’s unique situation.
We build trust by providing assurance that growers are farming more sustainably through our independently audited global LEAF Marque certification; from the health of their soils to how they engage with local communities.
We educate - our team of qualified educational specialists work with farmers, schools and the public across the UK to bring sustainable farming to life, both in schools and on-farm.
From our Honorary President.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh.
The past year has been one of remarkable progress and collaboration. LEAF’s work continues to demonstrate the powerful impact that can be achieved when farmers, educators, researchers and communities come together with a shared purpose. The challenges facing our sector are significant, but so too is the opportunity to lead with innovation and purpose.
Across the UK, I have been inspired by the many farmers I have met who are embracing more climate-positive approaches, investing in soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare, and opening their farms to the public to build understanding and trust. LEAF’s leadership in championing Integrated Farm Management, supporting knowledge exchange, and engaging young people has never been more vital.
My visit to Groundswell this year, where I had the pleasure of meeting sixth-form students taking part in a LEAF education project, was a wonderful reminder of how vital it is to engage and inspire the next generation. Their curiosity and commitment were truly uplifting, and a powerful reflection of LEAF’s impact in action.
This year, LEAF’s initiatives, from pioneering research projects to its growing global reach, reflected in the latest LEAF Marque Standard and its relevance to farmers across diverse geographies and enterprises, to the launch of its first international Demonstration Farm in South Africa, have further strengthened the bridge between farming and global society. Looking forward to 2026, we prepare to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the 20th anniversary of LEAF Open Farm Sunday. For two decades, this flagship event has welcomed millions onto farms, fostering greater transparency, appreciation and connection between the public and the industry that feeds them. It stands as one of LEAF’s most enduring achievements and a testament to the generosity and enthusiasm of the farming community.
As we look ahead, LEAF’s role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable food system will only continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work. Your commitment, curiosity and determination are helping secure a healthier future for generations to come.
From our Chair.
Philip Wynn OBE, LEAF Chair
The changing fundamentals across farming and food production are now clear to see. It is, of course, the sheer scale of these changes which is unprecedented. Spanning policy, genetics, technology, the environment and a multiplicity of competitors for land use to name just a few. For me the prospect of having more granular data to improve decision making, results, and resilience while reducing our carbon footprint is extremely exciting.
As LEAF continues to develop its core competencies in sustainability certifications, knowledge exchange, education and public engagement under its ‘One LEAF’ strategy, we also plan to support and help facilitate three new initiatives in the coming year.
Firstly, the launch of our ‘Regen Academy’ designed to provide growers with a unique resource to support their quest to find cost effective and resilient changes in their production systems. This has the potential to revolutionise the development of peer-to-peer learning.
We will also be working with Lantra to develop entirely new learning and landbased college courses that will drive scaled and systemic engagement with Integrated Farm Management at its core.
Finally, our involvement with Hutchinson Group to implement a three year project to explore the potential of AI to help farmers adopt more sustainable management practices. Seeking to work with academics at Cambridge University to develop these new digital tools has the potential to dramatically improve financial as well as environmental outcomes.
2026 is the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday. Since its inception, 3.45 million people have visited farms, many for the very first time. We have ambitious targets to exceed our previous records for attendance and coverage this year and demonstrate to the public the importance of our industry.
As LEAF progresses in the ‘new world’ of agriculture these collaborative approaches will be key to meeting our ambitious targets around developing more sustainable farming and food production both here in the UK and around the world.
I congratulate our team on so many achievements over the past year and thank our Trustee Board, Members and Sponsors for their invaluable ongoing support.
From our CEO.
As I reflect on the past year, I am struck by the strength of LEAF’s connections - between farmers and researchers, supply chains and consumers, educators and young people. At a time when agriculture faces increasing pressures, our role in turning evidence into practice has never been more important.
Connection sits at the heart of everything we do. Through our network of Demonstration Farms and Innovation Centres, farmers lead the way in testing, sharing and adapting Integrated Farm Management (IFM) in real-world conditions. In 2025, we launched of our first overseas Demonstration Farm in South Africa. Alongside new UK Demonstration Farms, European-wide projects and industry partnerships, these connections are building a diverse, global learning community that supports confident, evidence-based decision-making on farm.
Education remains central to our mission. Last year, our education team worked directly with over 27,000 young people, with hundreds of thousands more reached through our wider programmes. From primary pupils discovering how food is grown, to young people exploring careers in sustainable agriculture, we are helping the next generation understand both the challenges and opportunities within farming, and empowering them to drive positive change.
Trust underpins it all. Through LEAF Marque, we continue to provide robust, independently audited assurance that food is produced more sustainably. The publication of Version 17.0 of the LEAF Marque Standard, alongside the growth of LEAF Marque certification to more than 3,235 businesses in 55 countries, reflects both the credibility of the standard and the commitment of our partners to embed sustainability at scale. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to launch the LEAF Regen Farming Academy, a major step forward in our knowledge exchange programmes, supporting farmers to accelerate the transition to regenerative and resilient systems. We will also celebrate 20 years of Open Farm Sunday in June, through which 3.5 million people have now visited farms since 2006. New collaborations include work with Lantra and a research partnership with Hutchinsons and University of Cambridge exploring AI in farm planning. These collaborations further demonstrate our commitment to innovation and impact, reinforcing the strategic direction set out in our Chairman’s introduction.
During the year, we were delighted to welcome Dr Helen Ferrier, former Chief Science Adviser at the NFU, to lead our Innovation & Knowledge Exchange activities. With an academic background in environmental science and a wealth of experience in agricultural innovation and science, Helen brings valuable expertise that will help shape and strengthen our future direction. None of this would be possible without the dedication of the LEAF team, the guidance of our Trustees, the commitment of our members, and the trust of our partners and supporters. Thank you for your continued collaboration and belief in LEAF’s mission as we shape a more resilient, regenerative future for global farming.
David Webster, LEAF Chief Executive
Our year in highlights.
JAN.
We began the year at the Oxford Farming Conference, positioning LEAF at the heart of national agricultural debate & ensuring sustainable farming remains central to future policy & industry direction.
FEB.
The LEAF Conference 2025 convened industry leaders, academics, farmers, & financial experts, including Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, as keynote. We explored the urgent challenges facing global agriculture in the context of climate change.
MAR.
LEAF achieved full certification under the Farm Data Principles. This highlights our responsible & transparent approach to farm data governance, strengthening trust with farmers, partners & the wider supply chain.
APR. MAY. JUN.
We launched Nick & Lucy Tyler as LEAF’s 42nd Demonstration Farm. Expanding our network of sustainability leaders creates more opportunities for peer-to-peer learning & practical demonstration of IFM in action.
We attended Farmers Weekly Transition Live 2025, engaging directly with farmers on sustainable business support, & our leading partnerships ensured practical guidance reached those navigating change.
Open Farm Sunday 2025 welcomed over 200,000 visitors, cultivating connections between farmers & the public, with 94% of attendees reporting a better understanding of farming with nature following their visit.
We attended Groundswell & celebrated 10 years of the Jordans Farm Partnership. This milestone demonstrates the power of long-term supply chain collaboration in embedding regenerative & sustainable practices.
JUL. AUG. SEP.
Longtime member & OFS host, David Rose was named as this year’s winner of The Caroline Drummond Award - Celebrating & Communicating Farming Excellence, supported by the BGAJ & the IAgrM.
Springfield Farm in Northern Limpopo, South Africa became our first international LEAF Demonstration Farm!
This marked a significant step in extending LEAF’s knowledge exchange capabilities beyond the UK.
Our year in highlights.
OCT. NOV. DEC.
Our Pop-Up Knowledge Hub welcomed farmers from across the UK, providing practical tools & inspiration to support farmers to confidently engage young people & the public in sustainable farming - with over 10,000 children set to benefit from this one-off day.
We published Version 17.0 of the LEAF Marque Standard, a significant evolution in the assurance of more sustainable farming. This is backed by an investment in new IT infrastructure to improve efficiency.
We held an industry roundtable discussion on the importance of public engagement & launched Open Farm Sunday 2026 – our landmark 20th anniversary! Coop announced their commitment to LEAF Marque across their UK fresh produce supply chain.
Our year in numbers.
42
LEAF Demonstration Farms showcasing Integrated Farm Management in action - across the UK & internationally, with our first global Demonstration Farm in South Africa.
3,235
LEAF Marque certified businesses globally, including 212 Producer Groups - embedding independently verified environmental assurance across supply chains.
55
Countries with farms producing to the LEAF Marque Standard, driving more climatepositive, nature-friendly farming worldwide.
9
Major retailers committed to LEAF Marque, helping scale sustainable farming through market demand & certified sourcing.
200,197
Visitors welcomed to Open Farm Sunday, with 94% reporting greater understanding of sustainable farming.
27,442
Children experienced our education programme directly this year, connecting the next generation with sustainable farming & the career opportunities in the agri-food sector.
875
Farmers trained through CEVAS & CPD, building knowledge & capability to deliver Integrated Farm Management learning on the ground.
459,260
Young people reached through Integrated Farm Management linked Farming Fortnight resourcesgrowing understanding of farming with nature.
17
Version 17.0 of the LEAF Marque Standard is published, strengthening the rigour & evolution of sustainable farming practices & outcomes, supported by new digital infrastructure.
10
Years of the Jordans Farm Partnershipdemonstrating long-term collaboration between farmers & brands to reward environmental delivery.
1,348
Teachers supported with knowledge exchange & on-farm educational training.
We connect.
LEAF’s foundation is built on our commitment to connecting farmers, knowledge, and practice.
For thirty-five years, our network of Demonstration Farms and Innovation Centres, has allowed farmers, researchers, supply-chain partners and industry specialists to come together to share insights, test ideas, and learn from one another. This collaborative approach helps turn the principles of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) into practical, adaptable solutions on the ground. It is through these vital connections, across sectors, borders, and farming systems, that we are building a diverse learning community that drives continuous improvement and supports farmers in making confident, evidence-based decisions to drive the sustainability of their businesses.
A network for knowledge exchange.
The LEAF Network brings together pioneering farmers with world-class research partners and practical on-farm innovation. It showcases IFM in action and provides a trusted bridge between science and practice.
Our first international Demonstration Farm.
We were proud to launch our first demonstration farm outside the UK - Springfield Farms, a 2,000-hectare enterprise producing avocados, macadamia nuts, and pecans, in Northern Limpopo, South Africa. Springfield Farms is managed by Graeme and Valerie Whyte, who were involved in our Coop Foundation funded ‘Journey to Net Zero project’. As our first international demonstration farm, they will extend our reach and knowledgesharing beyond national borders, reinforcing our ambition to support sustainable farming globally, and adapt the lessons from IFM for different climates and contexts.
Demonstration Farms. Innovation Centres.
We were also delighted to welcome Nick and Lucy Tyler of Kingsplay Farming as LEAF Demonstration Farmers this year. Third-generation farmers in Wiltshire, they run a closed-loop, regenerative system combining arable, dairy and beef enterprises. Through their participation in our Resilient & Ready programme, they have introduced innovative practices, including biological alternatives to nitrogen fertilisers, improved manure management and a new agroforestry project. As part of our LEAF Network, they will play a vital role in sharing practical learning and inspiring others on their sustainable farming journey.
Strengthening
collaboration:
Projects, partnerships & research networks.
Our UK and EU wide projects and partnerships with farmers, research institutions and industry partners enable us to tackle complex climate challenges, while also ensuring that insights are grounded in real-world practice.
SHOWCASE:
SHOWCASE was a major pan-European partnership involving 23 organisations across 15 countries, demonstrating the benefits of biodiversity-friendly farming. The project showed that integrating biodiversity can improve soil health, support pollinators and natural pest control, enhance resilience, and strengthen long-term farm productivity.
In the UK, farmers working with the University of Reading explored how diverse cover crop mixes boost biodiversity and deliver practical on-farm benefits. Concluding in 2025, the project produced the Farming with Biodiversity handbook, providing clear guidance to help farmers, advisers and policymakers embed biodiversity into everyday farm management.
IPM Works:
We continue to focus on disseminating project outputs around IPM strategies and building on IPM networks, and supporting training and communication so that practical IPM solutions and success stories are shared widely with our members, the wider farming community and industry partners.
Exploring Agroforestry:
Our Linder Foundation funded agroforestry project came to a close, supporting 8 farmers from diverse sectors across the UK to establish bespoke agroforestry plans that delivered multiple benefits to their farms and nature. Learnings from this will help inform our future guidance and delivery back to our members.
We are helping to harness the power of shared learning, robust science & practical insights, as farmers navigate the journey towards sustainability & regeneration, working with nature to drive resilient, commercially successful businesses.”
Dr Helen Ferrier, LEAF, Director of Innovation & Knowledge Exchange.
NUE-Leg: Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency - Legumes
We continue to play a key role in supporting the delivery of on-farm trials and knowledge exchange focused on reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers in grassland system. Working with farmers, researchers and industry partners, the project is exploring how improved use of forage legumes and soil biology can enhance nitrogen efficiency, improve soil health and cut greenhouse has emissions across beef, sheep and dairy enterprises. A number of LEAF Demonstration Farmers are involved in the project, sharing learning through on-farm events and embedding outcomes within wider IFM practices.
A highlight of the year was welcoming farmers, researchers, and industry experts to Renner Farming – managed by John Renner, our Northumberland Demonstration Farmer and NUE-leg project farmer, to explore practical ways to make livestock farming more sustainable. Through farm tours, hands-on demonstrations, and lively discussions, the day highlighted how farmers can make climate-and naturepositive choices while maintaining productive, profitable systems.
For us, it’s about sharing ideas & learning together. Projects like NUE-Leg show what’s possible when research meets real farming. Collaboration like this turns new ideas into practical solutions on the ground”
John Renner, LEAF Demonstration Farmer.
NCS: Nitrogen-efficient Plants for Climate-Smart Arable Cropping Systems
As one of 17 partners in this four-year, industry-led project, we are helping to advance research into increasing pulse cropping and integrating homegrown pulses and legumes into animal feed - reducing dependence on imported soya and lowering agricultural emissions. Over 200 UK farmers began to establish carbon baselines using the Farm Carbon Toolkit, with some becoming “Pulse Pioneers,” collaborating with scientists to co-design trials and explore sustainable arable systems.
Resilient & Ready:
Our Resilient & Ready programme, run in partnership with Corteva Agriscience, continues to support farmers through a three-year journey of training, mentoring and technical guidance, helping them develop the skills and confidence to become future leaders in sustainable farming. In 2025, we were delighted to see Nick and Lucy Tyler of Kingsplay Farming, Wiltshire, and Bryony and Archie Graham of Lodge Farm, Essex, complete the programme, and we continue to collaborate with them on ongoing technical projects.
Accelerating & Demonstrating the Journey to Net Zero.
Our Journey to Net Zero project, supported by the Co-op Foundation, concluded in 2025. We were delighted to work with a group of pioneering farmers to accelerate progress towards net zero agriculture. Each of our project farmers - Stuart and Kate Mitchell from the Scottish Borders, Stephen Shields and Sally Swift at Huntapac in Lancashire, Graeme and Valerie Whyte in South Africa, Bob Clark in Cumbria, and Rachel and Richard Risdon in Devon, played a vital role in testing, implementing and sharing practical solutions, helping to build evidence and momentum for resilient, low-carbon farming systems.
Learning from each other.
Throughout 2025, we hosted a series of technical events bringing together Demonstration Farmers, Innovation Centres, researchers and industry partners to encourage peer-to-peer learning.
We also worked in partnership with HSBC to deliver two on-farm technical events focused on climate resilience, bringing farmers together with scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) (a LEAF Innovation Centre). These events explored how future climate scenarios could affect crop and grass growth at a farm scale, using high-resolution modelling to examine potential impacts on yields, water stress and variability, alongside a detailed “Farm Health Check” that brought together soil, carbon, habitat and water-risk data.
Crucially, discussions moved beyond projections to practical action, with farmers and researchers exploring how soil health, crop choice, agroforestry, drainage, and system design can help build resilience to increasing climate extremes, and how evidence-based tools can support better long-term decision-making at farm level.
We also updated and expanded our series of ‘Simple Steps’ IFM Guidebooks to support specific sustainable farm management practices, including soil and water management, Integrated Pest Management, carbon capture, and regenerative farming.
We build trust.
Building trust in how food is grown, in the people who produce it, and in the systems that safeguard its integrity, is at the heart of LEAF’s mission.
Through our independently audited LEAF Marque certification system, we provide clear, credible assurance that growers are farming more sustainably - from the health of their soils and the protection of biodiversity to the way they manage water, energy and waste. LEAF Marque, anchored in the principles of Integrated Farm Management, gives retailers, consumers and supply-chain partners confidence that more sustainable farming practices are being applied on farm.
Supply chain commitments & collaboration with retailers.
2025 saw significant movement in supply chain engagement. We now work with nearly all the major UK retailers - Aldi, Asda, Coop, Lidl, M&S, Ocado, Sainsburys, Tesco, and Waitrose - who use LEAF Marque certification to demonstrate their own sustainability credentials. Whilst predominately operating in fresh produce supply chains, we are now looking to extend our reach into other farming sectors.
One of the standout moments of the year was the deepening of our collaboration with Fresh Direct, the UK’s leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice sector. Fresh Direct are championing LEAF Marque across their UK fresh produce sourcing and have successfully ensured that all contracted UK fresh produce growers have achieved LEAF Marque certification, reinforcing their environmental ambitions and highlighting LEAF Marque’s expansion into the Out of Home sector, covering foodservice, hospitality and catering.
We were also delighted to see Lidl GB strengthen its long-standing commitment to more sustainable farming by pledging that all its British fresh-produce suppliers will meet LEAF Marque certification. The LEAF logo will now appear prominently across Lidl’s fresh produce packaging, helping shoppers make more informed choices and reinforcing the value of independently certified, environmentally responsible farming. In addition, Co-op announced that it will require all UK-grown fresh produce in its stores to be LEAF Marque certified by January 2027, working closely with British growers through its Fresh Produce Forum to embed sustainable farming practices that promote soil health, biodiversity and water stewardship across its supply chain.
Groundbreaking projects with retailers, delivering impact across the supply chain.
Our project partnerships with leading retailers, including Waitrose and M&S, are helping to deliver real direct farm-level environmental outcomes but also build longer-term systemic momentum towards more regenerative agriculture across the food supply chain.
We are delighted to be working with Waitrose as part of their Farming for Nature programme, which is supporting more than 2,000 UK farms, to transition to nature friendly and regenerative practices. Covering meat, dairy, poultry (layers and broilers), fresh produce, and horticulture, the programme brings together soil health, biodiversity, water management, carbon and ecosystem services within a unified framework to deliver measurable regenerative outcomes, underpinned by LEAF Marque certification.
We provide technical support and facilitation, working alongside farmers to identify the most effective approaches to monitoring, evaluating and implementing regenerative practices across sectors. Together with Waitrose’s supply base and Farming Partners, we are developing practical insights and best practice guidance on soil, biodiversity, carbon and water management to support farmers towards more regenerative systems.
M&S Farming for the Future.
Building on our long-term partnership with Marks & Spencer, we are proud to be a leading partner in their Farming for the Future programme. This directly on the foundations of the earlier Farming with Nature initiative, in which we also played a key role. While Farming with Nature focused on enhancing biodiversity and habitat restoration, Farming for the Future expands this work to drive systemic change towards net-zero, regenerative farming, and broader sustainability goals across M&S Select Farms as part of the wider Plan A for Farming initiative.
As a key partner across both programmes, we continue to provide expert guidance, deliver training on soil health and Integrated Farm Management practices to 200 farmers, and support growers in achieving LEAF Marque certification.
Our growing global reach.
Over the past three years, the LEAF Marque network has expanded from 929 certified businesses in 2022, 66% of which were UK-based, to 3,235 certified businesses across 55 countries, including 212 Producer Groups, at the end of 2025.
3,235 LEAF Marque certified businesses.
55 countries.
212 producer groups. With Across
Figures correct at end of 2025.
From strengthened assurance to better data & deeper collaboration with growers, every step forward reinforces our credibility & the confidence that others place in LEAF. We will continue driving a trusted, global approach to sustainable farming that delivers real outcomes for climate, nature & people.”
Clare Mike, LEAF, Director of LEAF Marque & International Development.
Our first international Demonstration Farm:
Limpopo, South Africa
Never standing still.
At the end of 2025, we were delighted to publish Version 17.0 of the LEAF Marque Standard, following extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultations with farmers, academics, producers, retailers and the wider industry.
A key milestone in the development process was the successful completion of the rigorous United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) review, which confirmed that no actions were required for LEAF Marque. This exceptional outcome underscores the robustness and credibility of the Standard and the LEAF Marque assurance system.
“
Key updates to the Standard reflect our commitment to evolving environmental challenges and global relevance, including:
An even stronger environmental focus, with new and strengthened requirements covering habitat area (minimum 5 %), soil health, regenerative farming, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, peat, livestock management and waste.
Flexible implementation via Core and Advanced controls, enabling growers worldwide to tailor practices to their context, while still meeting high sustainability standards.
Closer integration with the LSFR, offering a reliable path toward continuous improvement and support with audit preparation.
Our latest Standard underscores our strategic direction, that is fostering a truly global, future-ready standard grounded in environmental integrity, supply-chain transparency, and real-world applicability.
Version 17.0 of LEAF Marque marks a significant step forward for LEAF as we continue to invest in our systems and processes to support the interests of LEAF members globally.”
David Webster, LEAF, Chief Executive.
Futureproofing: integrating practice with data & technology.
To support the rollout of the latest LEAF Marque Standard, we made a significant new investment in IT infrastructure with Dutch agri-tech specialists Agriplace, improving data collection, reporting, benchmarking, and governance oversight. Part of this was the introduction of our new LEAF Sustainable Farming Review (LSFR), more closely aligned with Version 17.0, and designed to simplify the user journey with clear progress indicators and integrated guidance, giving growers a practical path to continuous improvement.
Alongside this, we were also proud that LEAF Marque achieved Farm Data Principles certification, an important step in our continued commitment to responsible data stewardship.
Together these significant developments are helping us strengthen transparency, build trust and support farms globally, across diverse systems and geographies.
Building on long-term partnerships.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Jordans Farm Partnership. A decade of collaboration between Jordans Cereals, LEAF, The Wildlife Trusts, and the network of dedicated oat growers. Since 2015, the partnership has championed nature-friendly farming, enhanced farmland biodiversity, and shown how long-term supply chain relationships can drive meaningful environmental impact. Celebrating this milestone at Groundswell, partners came together to reflect on progress made and reaffirmed our shared commitment to building on these strong foundations in the years ahead.
We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Vitacress Farm Excellence (VFE) programme. Launched in 2020, VFE sets the benchmark for sustainable farming within the fresh produce sector, helping growers meet new environmental challenges while maintaining productivity. The programme places a strong emphasis on habitat management, biodiversity monitoring and improvement, and fostering a culture of ownership and awareness of sustainability across all staff at Vitacress’s UK, Portugal, and Spain sites.
LEAF Marque certification underpins Vitacress’s Second Nature programme, providing a robust framework to support their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Scaling up sustainability through finance.
Our partnerships within the financial services sector play a critical role in supporting sustainable farming and helping growers overcome financial barriers to change. Collaborations with institutions such as HSBC UK, Oxbury Bank, and Barclays provide tailored finance, discounted loan arrangements, and innovative tools that enable farmers to adopt environmentally responsible practices. By linking funding directly with LEAF Marque certification, these partnerships make it easier for farms to invest in biodiversity, soil health, water management, and other sustainability initiatives.
Supporting our growers through accessible learning.
To support growers and supply-chain partners through the transition to Version 17.0 and beyond, we updated our ‘Becoming LEAF Marque’ animated training modules in multiple languages to provide an accessible way to guide new and existing members through certification requirements, audit preparation, and IFM best practice implementation. Alongside our digital resources, we continued to deliver in-person IFM training courses, giving growers the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, build confidence, and apply IFM principles directly within their own farming systems.
Our education programme inspires young people to connect with sustainable farming, food, and the natural world.
We work with students from early years right through to tertiary education, helping them build a clear, age-appropriate understanding of sustainable food and farming and the diverse careers the sector offers. Our aim is to help the next generation understand how food is produced and the role sustainable farming plays in protecting the environment. Through hands-on, memorable experiences, they discover how their food is grown more sustainably, why the environment matters, and how they can help shape a more resilient global food system.
27,442 children experienced LEAF direct delivery this academic year on-farm & in school.
1,348 teachers supported with knowledge exchange & onfarm educational learning.
875 farmers trained through CEVAS &/or accessed CPD opportunities.
792,386 total beneficiaries of our work in 2025.
Young people / teachers / farmers / resources & Farming Fortnight reach.
Championing sustainable farming through LEAF Marque.
Across all our education work, we champion sustainable farming through the lens of Integrated Farm Management and the values of LEAF Marque. These frameworks help young people see how farms across the globe balance profitable food production with care for soil, water, wildlife and the wider environment. We equip young people with the understanding to make informed choices and to consider the actions they can take to recognise the importance of responsible global food production.
Primary pledges:
“Looking for the LEAF logo when we go to the supermarket.”
“We set up a ‘no dig’ growing area at school so we can grow in the same way that LEAF farmers do.”
“Starting a compost heap and wormery at school. We loved learning about worms and how they help the soil.”
Secondary pledges:
“I will check food packaging for the LEAF label.”
“Make an effort to buy seasonal foods to reduce carbon footprint.”
Our work is empowering future consumers with the skills, motivation and awareness to champion positive change for climate, nature and society.”
Carl Edwards, LEAF, Director of Communications, Engagement & Education.
“I plan to eat more sustainable produce and support LEAF farmers across the world.”
Our work in action:
Continued
commitment to the next generation. Sustainable farming in the classroom: Anderton
Park Primary
Since 2023, we have partnered with Anderton Park Primary on a transformative journey to embed sustainable food and farming into the curriculum. What began with a hands-on Design & Technology workshop introducing pupils to UK-grown LEAF Marque certified Florette salad leaves, has grown into a series of impactful experiences: farm visits, classroom sessions, and interactive workshops. Pupils have learned from industry experts, tasted fresh produce, and designed their own salads - many excited about salad for the first time! But this work goes far beyond memorable moments and we, along with the global LEAF network, have an integral role to play. Each contact point builds knowledge and confidence, empowering pupils to turn learning into tangible actions at school and at home, shaping informed choices as future consumers and responsible citizens.
100% think individual food choices are important in the fight against climate change.
100% said they have learnt new ways to help the planet.
83% are more likely to make sustainable food choices.
This year, we launched our new Sustainable You(th) Challenge, kindly supported by McDonald’s and Harper Adams University, at New Scientist Live.
Designed for 15–17-year-olds, the Challenge invites young people to explore real-world issues across sustainability, biodiversity, climate change and food systems, and to develop practical, solution-focused ideas for a more sustainable future. It builds on our 2023 research with teenagers, which highlighted a strong demand for hands-on learning, meaningful engagement with industry professionals, and greater insight into diverse careers within the sector.
This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will champion more naturepositive farming across the food system.
Our work in action: Inspiring sixth form advocates for sustainable farming.
At Groundswell Festival, LEAF was proud to deliver this experience for the first time in partnership with the festival - marking an exciting milestone in our shared commitment to inspiring the next generation. Year 12 students from Hertfordshire & Essex High School stepped into the heart of sustainable and regenerative farming, taking part in expert-led workshops before exploring cutting-edge ideas and meeting innovators shaping the future of food and farming. Throughout the day, they discovered how farming can play a vital role in tackling climate change and restoring nature.
A standout moment was an empowering conversation with LEAF’s Honorary President, who challenged and inspired students to think more deeply about where their food comes from and how their choices can support climate-positive farming. This first-time collaboration demonstrated the powerful impact of connecting young people directly with farmers, leaders and real-world solutions.
100% of students left confident talking about the agri-food industry (up from 30%).
100% of students said they were more likely to make & promote sustainable food choices.
Building links between our networks.
LEAF Demonstration Schools are strengthening how food, farming, and sustainability are embedded in education by helping schools build on existing practice and connect learning across subjects through real-world contexts. The programme is supporting teachers to deliver more confident, experiential learning, enabling pupils to develop a deeper understanding of where food comes from, how farming interacts with the environment, and the role they can play in a sustainable future. By making effective practice more visible and shareable, Demonstration Schools are creating a growing network of schools modelling meaningful sustainability education and supporting others to take practical steps on their own journey.
“After visiting a local primary school for a number of in-school workshops, I was ‘spotted’ in Tesco by a boy who called across “You’re Vicki from LEAF”. I confirmed I was and asked if he was buying any LEAF Marque produce, to which he proudly pulled out a bag of carrots in his parents shopping trolley!”
Vicki McLaughlin, LEAF, Education Specialist.
Engaging young people with careers in agriculture.
This year, we launched a new suite of resources and industry training to inspire young people to explore careers in the agri-food sector. Designed for industry professionals, the packs provide clear guidance and adaptable activities for assemblies, exhibitions, workshops and events. Hard copies reached 145 schools (up to 13,000 students), with digital versions viewed over 800 times. To boost confidence and engagement, we delivered four CPD events, equipping professionals to inspire over 3,500 students in 2026.
100%
of attendees rated a positive change in their confidence as a result of the training.
To have a resource we can pick up & adapt for our business makes engaging with young people so much easier. Thank you!”
CPD Attendee.
Connecting people & sustainable farming.
Our biennial Pop-Up Knowledge Hub, this year hosted at LEAF Demonstration Farm, Lockerley Estate, in Hampshire and supported by NFU Mutual, brought together farmers and industry professionals for a practical and inspiring day focused on engaging young people and wider society with sustainable farming.
The day included several hands-on workshops covering key IFM areas such as soil, water, nature conservation, crops, livestock and community engagement. Participants also had the opportunity to join a guided tour of Lockerley Estate and the event concluded with a marketplace and networking session, exploring LEAF resources, meeting the LEAF team and strengthening relationships across the sector.
A strong theme of connection ran throughout the dayconnecting farmers with practical tools and confidence, connecting peers through shared experience, and connecting sustainable farming with the values, climate concerns and career pathways of the next generation.
People often think they’ve learned all there is to know, and then they come to a LEAF event and leave feeling truly inspired.”
Pop Up Knowledge Hub Attendee.
Our work in action: Farming Fortnight 2025 – bringing sustainable farming to life!
Farming Fortnight, which runs either side of Open Farm Sunday, is our national two-week initiative that brings farming and food production into classrooms across the UK. This year we saw thousands of young people explore sustainable agriculturethrough the lens of Integrated Farm Management (IFM). Updated IFM-focused resources helped teachers cover topics on soil health, biodiversity, water management, energy efficiency, and animal welfare. Students learnt about the impact IFM practices are having on farms and also in the food on their supermarket shelves when they see the LEAF Marque.
A highlight of Farming Fortnight 2025 was a live Q&A with LEAF Demonstration Farmers John Renner and Duncan Farrington MBE, alongside Megan Saville from LEAF Marque certified farm, Blackdown Growers. Building on the educational videos they created for schools, these lively video calls gave thousands of students the chance to see for themselves how IFM works in action and ask questions. We even had an impromptu maths challenge, which really brought demonstrated the value of these direct connections with farmers to help build trust, deepen understanding.
14,684 children across 63 schools watched our 3 videos - all featuring LEAF Marque farmers.
459,269 young people reached with our IFM linked Farming Fortnight resources.
Celebrating 10 years of collaboration.
This year marked 10 years of Countryside Classroom, which we celebrated with our partners at an event at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Curry. Over this decade we have seen the platform become a trusted authority and information hub for education professionals. Partners continue to value coming together, sharing insight and reaffirming a collective commitment to high-quality food, farming and environmental education.
Through our strong partner collaboration over the past decade, Countryside Classroom remains a hugely vital platform for connecting educators with high-quality, trusted resources.
Countryside Classroom’s reach grew significantly this year, including:
4 million impressions a two-fold increase
21,550 newsletter subscriptions a 15% increase
14,000 teacher accounts a 22% increase
420,000 views a 20% increase
Open Farm Sunday. Connecting
people with farming, food & nature.
Open Farm Sunday continues to be the farming industry’s largest coordinated public engagement initiative, creating meaningful connections between farmers and the public at a time when understanding of food production and environmental sustainability has never been more important.
In 2025, Open Farm Sunday grew significantly, with a 20% increase in host farms. A total of 271 farm events across the British Isles welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, giving families and communities direct experience of modern farming and sustainable food production. These face-to-face conversations helped build trust, improve understanding of how food is produced, and highlight the environmental care, innovation, and expertise involved in farming today. By opening their gates, farmers are helping people reconnect with and better understand farming standards, best practices and value the transition to more sustainable food and farming systems that our industry is making.
98% of visitors rated their experience as good or excellent.
94% of visitors reported an increased understanding of farming with nature.
91% of visitors learned something new about farming.
31% of visitors reported it had inspired someone in their group to consider a career in farming.
Demonstrating real impact.
Open Farm Sunday is driving lasting understanding, trust and behavioural changethree months on from the event:
87% of visitors felt more connected to the people who produce their food.
84% of visitors had a better understanding of what sustainably produced food means.
57% of visitors have since shared their learnings, acting as advocates for farming & nature.
Raising the profile of British farming.
A national media campaign helped amplify the reach and influence of Open Farm Sunday in 2025. Coverage included a main storyline on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, appearances on BBC Breakfast, regional TV coverage, and radio interviews to more than one hundred regional stations, reaching audiences of tens of millions.
This visibility has been instrumental in growing participation and reinforcing public trust in British food and farming, while championing sustainable and regenerative practices across the sector.
66% of visitors reported actively looking for more British or locally produced food.
Farm Sunday in the media:
Reach of
235 million.
308 pieces of coverage.
34 interviews on our radio day on 2nd June 2025.
Looking ahead to celebrating 20 years.
As Open Farm Sunday approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, nearly 3.5 million people have visited an event - a powerful testament to its role in connecting farmers and the public.
Plans for the milestone year were launched in November at a sector-wide briefing in London, bringing together farmers, retailers, brands and industry leaders to reinforce the importance of collaboration in building resilient, transparent food systems.
More than an open day, Open Farm Sunday creates tangible, memorable “wow” moments that bring food and farming to life. It offers a unique opportunity for our industry to tell its story directly to the consumers of today and tomorrow.
The next Open Farm Sunday will take place on 7 June 2026, marking two decades of connecting people with sustainable farming and food production. Together, we are building understanding, trust and pride in sustainable farming - today and for generations to come.
For 20 years, Open Farm Sunday has given the public an honest, firsthand view of modern farming and the care that goes into producing their food. As we reach this important moment, our focus is on deepening those connections and strengthening every link from farm to fork.”
David Webster, LEAF, Chief Executive.
To all our members, sponsors & patrons who have helped support our work during 2025 - our work as a charity wouldn’t be possible without you.
Our OFS sponsors.
Our corporate partners.
Asplins PO
to LEAF.
Thank you to all who have provided donations
Baron Davenport’s Charity
Cairnfold Charitable Trust
Chapman Charitable Trust
The Co-op Foundation
Cumbria Community Foundation and the Westmorland Foundation
Doris Field Charitable Trust
East Sussex Proficiency Test Committee
Ernest Cook Trust
The Florence Turner Trust
Garfield Western Foundation
The Graham and Henrietta Somervell’s Wildlife Trust
J Reginald Corah Foundation
The Linder Foundation
Perry Foundation
NFU Mutual Charitable Trust
Nineveh Charitable Trust
Samworth Foundation
William Dean Countryside and Educational Trust
The Worshipful Company of Farmers
EXPENDITURE ON:
Who’s who at LEAF.
LEAF Board of Trustees.
Philip Wynn , Dyson Farming (Chair)
Tom Green , Agris Group (Vice-Chair)
Anna Dugdale , G’s Group
Jake Freestone , Overbury Farms
Caroline Mason , Seeds To Thrive
Johnny Renner , Renner Farming
Jane Rickson , Cranfield University
Johnny Wake , Courteenhall Farms
Mike Young , Farmacy PLC
LEAF Marque Board.
Tom Green , Agris Group (Chair)
David Webster , LEAF Chief Executive
Angus Davison , Haygrove
Anna Dugdale , G’s Group
Steve Jones , LEAF Chief Operating Officer
Clare Mike , LEAF Director of LEAF Marque & International Development
LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee.
Andrew Francis , Home Farm Nacton (Chair)
Libby Rowland , Certis Belchim (Vice-Chair)
Evi Arachoviti , Innovation for Agriculture
Paul Billings , Germinal
Jen Bromley , Vertical Future
Caitlin Burns , Environment Agency
Carl Edwards , LEAF
Robert Evans , NSF Certification
Ed Ford , Dyson Farming
Marie Keys , SAI Global
Conor Linstead , WWF
Will McManus , WRAP
Natalie McWilliam , DPS
Joe Revell , Blue Skies
Harriette Roberts , Sainsbury’s
Piers Sangan , Sangan Island Conservation
Lucy Tyler , Kingsplay Farming Company
Elle Vercoe-Gibson , Waitrose & Partners
LEAF Demonstration Schools.
GOLD STATUS:
Brockhill Performing Arts College, Kent
SILVER STATUS:
Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Warwickshire
St. Nicholas CE First School, West Midlands
BRONZE STATUS:
Alcester Grammar School, Warwickshire
Chancel Primary School, Staffordshire
Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School, Wiltshire
Chipping Campden School, Gloucestershire
Cullercoates Primary School, Tyne & Wear
Eaton Valley Primary School, West Bromwich
Glascote Academy, Staffordshire
North Oxfordshire Academy, Oxfordshire
Norton Primary School, Gloucestershire
Sir Robert Geffery’s School, Cornwall
Sir William Stanier School, Cheshire
St James Primary School, Lancashire
Stanley Grove Primary Academy, Yorkshire
Thrussington Primary School, Leicestershire
TIG Federation, Yorkshire
Washingborough Primary, Lincolnshire
LEAF Demonstration Farmers.
Robert Addicott, Addicott Partners, Somerset, England
Brian & Patrick Barker, E J Barker and Sons, Suffolk, England
Andy Bason, Newhouse Farm, Hampshire, England
Chris Baylis, Sir Richard Sutton Estates Ltd, Lincolnshire, England
Sandy Booth & Jackie Barr, New Forest Fruit Company, Hampshire, England
Nick & Claire Bragg, Frogmary Green Farm, Somerset, England
Hugh Broad, P N Broad and Son, East Lothian, Scotland
Philip & Charlie Chamberlain, Crowmarsh Battle Farms Ltd, Oxfordshire, England
Nick Down, Yattendon Estate, Berkshire, England
Jeremy Durrant, E W Davies Farms, Essex, England
Duncan Farrington, Bottom Farm, Northamptonshire, England
David Felce, R C Felce and Son, Cambridgeshire, England
Andrew Ferguson & Andrew Hoad, Leckford Estate, Hampshire, England
Jake Freestone & Penelope Bossom, Overbury Enterprises, Gloucestershire, England
Simon Gardner, Varfell Farms, Cornwall, England
Paul Hayward, E Dunning and Son, East Yorkshire, England
Paul Kelly & Peter Wilderspin, Park Farm, University of Cambridge, England
Andrew Keyte, Ragley Hall Farm, Warwickshire, England
William Pitts, The Green House Sussex Ltd, West Sussex, England
Charlie Parker, JSR Farms Ltd, East Yorkshire, England
Mark Knight, Tangmere Airfield Nurseries Ltd, West Sussex, England
Robert Kynaston, Great Wollaston, Shropshire, England
Craig Livingstone, Lockerley Estate, Hampshire, England
James & Emma Loder-Symonds, Nonington Farms, Kent, England
Chris Newenham & Andrey Ivanov, Wilkin and Sons Ltd, Essex, England
Jeremy & Sue Padfield, Church Farm, Somerset, England
Ian Pigott, J W Pigott and Son, Hertfordshire, England
Tim Pratt, Wantisden Hall Farms, Suffolk, England
John & Helen Renner, Renner Farming, Northumberland, England
Mike Renouard, The Jersey Royal Company, Jersey
Harriet Ross & Ben Lowe, HB Farms/Newseat of Dumbreck, Ayrshire, Scotland
Nick Scantlebury, Elveden Farms Ltd, Norfolk, England
Stephen Shields, Huntapac Produce Ltd, Lancashire, England
Charles Shropshire & Stewart McIntyre, Cambs Farms Growers (G’s), Cambridgeshire, England
Robert Smith, Russell Smith Farms, Cambridgeshire, England
Anthony Snell, A.J & C.I Snell, Herefordshire, England
Lucy & Nick Tyler, Kingsplay Farming, Wiltshire, England
Matt Waldie, 4 Front Farming, Fife, Scotland
Ian Waller, Hampden Bottom Farm Ltd, Buckinghamshire, England
Valerie & Graham Whyte, Springfield Farm, Limpopo, South Africa
Duncan Worth & Simon Day, Worth Farms, Lincolnshire, England
Keston Williams & Neil Cairnes, Barfoots of Botley, West Sussex, England
Sion Williams, Bowhill Farming Ltd, Scottish Borders, Scotland
LEAF Innovation Centres.
Agrii Throws Farm Technology Centre, Essex
Bangor University, Gwynedd
Bayer Cropscience, Cambridgeshire
The Allerton Project, Leicestershire
Harper Adams University, Shropshire
Hartpury College and University, Gloucester
IBERS, Aberystwyth
James Hutton Institute, Perthshire
Newcastle University Farms, Northumberland
NIAB East Malling, Kent
Rothamsted Research Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Rothamsted Research North Wyke, Devon
Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire
SRUC - The Dairy Cattle Research and Innovation Centre, Midlothian
SRUC – The Hill & Mountain Research Centre, Perthshire
Stockbridge Technology Centre, Yorkshire
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Oxfordshire
University of Reading Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), Berkshire
Warwick Crop Centre, Warwickshire
Philip Adams , Education Operations & Impacts Lead
Teresa Andrews , Executive Assistant
Sarah Blackwell , M&S Partnership Project Manager
Matthew Bradley , Marketing & Communications Officer
Mollie Burns , Standards & Impacts Coordinator
Hope Chapman , Monitoring & Evaluations Officer
Julie Clarke , Technical Admin Officer
Laura Cullen , LEAF Marque Assurance Coordinator
Alexandra Davies , Standards Setting & Impacts Coordinator
Nathan Deacon , Membership & Finance Coordinator
Angela Demetriou , LEAF Marque Data & Evaluation Lead
Lisa Dunne , Education Specialist
Carl Edwards , Director of Communications, Engagement & Education
Faye Edwards , Education Induction Manager & Specialist
Dr Helen Ferrier , Director of Innovation & Knowledge Exchange
Anna Fryer , Education Specialist
Cassandra Gruppioni , Education Network & Partnership Coordinator
Justine Hards , Marketing & Communications Manager
Bobbie Harvey , Education Specialist
Jo Hatton , Education Specialist
Abbey Holman , LEAF Marque Stan dards Lead
Crystal Horner , Brand & Communications Lead
Justine Hunt , Education Support Coordinator
Clare Hurst , Education & Public Engagement Officer
Steve Jones , Chief Operating Officer
Ellie Knight , Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Elizabeth Lake , Education Specialist & Countryside Classroom Coordinator
Rachel Matthews, Waitrose Farming For Nature Programme Manager
Vicki McLaughlin , Education Specialist
Clare Mike , Director of LEAF Marque & International Development
Harriette Miller , Impacts Coordinator
Dan Mitchell , Technical Officer
Ronan Mulcahy , Training & Membership Development Manager
Lakshmi Nair , LEAF Marque Standards Officer
Julie Neale , Education Specialist
Katy Pallas , Education Specialist
Dr Emily Pope , Network Development Manager
Victoria Prior , LEAF Marque Network & Partnerships Lead
Jane Puzey , Advisor
Fiona Rust , Education Networks & Partnership Lead
Annabel Shackleton , Open Farm Sunday Manager
Phil Skentelbery , LEAF Marque Assurance Lead
Dan Stevenson , Head of Sustainable Farming
Kuljit Sumal , Finance Officer
Dr Dawn Teverson , Knowledge Manager
Sherida Walker , Membership Manager
Beth Wallace , Technical Officer
Emma Watson , Projects & Delivery Coordinator
David Webster , Chief Exec u tive
Janell White , HR Director
Jenna Wills , Fundraiser
Sam Wyman , Education Specialist
LEAF Team.
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is a charity that promotes & supports more sustainable farming to help create a resilient food & farming system for future generations.
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming)
Bragborough Hall Business Centre, Welton Rd, Daventry, NN11 7JG
www.leaf.eco
Tel: +44 (0)2476 413911
Email: enquiries@leaf.eco
LEAF is a registered charity (no. 1045781)