Northamptonshire farmer says people are becoming disconnected from food production
Jessica Goodwin of Costow Farm says it's important people get to know their local farmer, ahead of Open Farm Sunday.
Last updated 6th Jun 2025
A Northamptonshire farmer says people are becoming disconnected from where their food comes from.
Jessica Goodwin runs Costow Farm in the south of the county and is taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend, to open up farms to the public.
Jessica says everyone should get to know their local farmer:
"I think it's a great idea for people to get to know their local farmer because over the generations I think people have become more disconnected with where their food comes from and don't understand what, when and how and how it's produced.
"We're human people at the end of the day producing good quality local food and people need to know."
Open Farm Sunday is organised by global sustainable farming charity LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), who have commissioned new research unearths a surprising disconnect between younger Brits’ values and their view of UK farming.
Agriculture plays a key role in combatting climate change, but only one in five (19%) of 18-24-year-olds are aware of its importance on the matter.
Costow Farm has been regenerative for 20 years says Jessica, meaning they farm alongside and with nature:
"We plant herbal leaves, cover crops so, it's introducing different soil, root structures, therefore creating, better sort of environment for wildlife and bugs and these. And we've got a great big block of lapwing lapwings on the farm, which are quite rare and we've got, you know, abundance of wildlife. It's quite amazing."
Over one in three young people believe you have to be born into a farming family to become a farmer, highlighting enduring misconceptions and outdated stereotypes.
Open Farm Sunday
Open Farm Sunday returns for its 19th year on Sunday 8 June 2025, when hundreds of farms across the UK will open their gates to the public.
Jessica explains what will be happening at Costow Farm this Sunday 8 June:
"We're just opening the gates, getting people behind the gates to understand what we're doing, how we're doing it and who we are, because a lot of people don't know who their local farmer is. And I think that's quite sad.
"We've got live sheep sharing demos. We've got Amanda, the beekeeper. Our local beekeeper, she's got a hive she's bringing. We've got soil scientist, scientists, and we've got a nature trail."
They'll also have a local flower farmer, farm walks with tractors and trailers and activities for children.
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF's Open Farm Sunday Manager adds: “Gen Z’s credentials when it comes to caring about the environment are second to none.
“But one area where it seems they are yet to make the link is farming.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in tackling climate change, protecting and farming with nature, and feeding the nation sustainably.
“Open Farm Sunday is all about breaking down barriers and creating connections, challenging outdated perceptions, and showing everyone, just how innovative, diverse and forward-looking farming really is.”