Three legendary activists for farmers’ rights tackle the false hope and real threats of genetic modification, sharing what they have learned and how those lessons can be used in the ongoing fight. The first wave of genetically modified (GMO) crops made false promises to reduce pesticide use and create higher yields and profits for farmers - from cotton farmers in Asia to maize growers in North America. There is very little evidence that this happened…

Want to learn more about nuts? If you’re considering agroforestry but aren’t sure what to plant, or you already know you want to plant nut trees, or perhaps you already have some but don’t know what to do with them, then this is the session for you. With a panel spanning years of nut tree growing experience, international research, business development and new nut tree agroforestry enthusiasm, this session will crack open the technical and…

Over the last 30 years or so, a vibrant network of agroecological short supply chain and direct sales businesses has developed in the UK, but currently they represent a tiny proportion of the market. Scaling up will bring colossal benefits to the environment, local economies and communities; but it is an equally colossal task! Infrastructure - or lack thereof - is key to upscaling local food systems. A loss of local infrastructure - particularly processing…

Step back in time and discover the historical landscape on your farm using old maps from the 19th century.

This session is for anyone interested in finding out more about Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), or anybody who would like to share their experience or knowledge in this area.

Healthy soils are the foundation of any sustainable food system. Yet those who steward land are often disconnected - even excluded - from the processes of researching and learning about how to assess soil health and condition.

Policies that govern farming and land management in England are undergoing one of the biggest shifts in a generation. This comes at a critical juncture for biodiversity, for climate and for the future resilience of farm businesses.

The availability of raw milk can be very beneficial to a local community as well as a valuable part of a small scale, agroecological and/or mixed farm, but taking the leap into starting a raw milk dairy can be daunting.

Isolated pockets of agroecology are developing in the UK, particularly
in South West England. The area surrounding Dartington, in rural Devon, offers a unique example of an agroecological lighthouse in the making. By lighthouse we refer to a site, or many sites combined, and possibly an entire territory, that is demonstrative as well as practical in terms of commercial farms and farmers applying agroecological principles, and contributing to the local food system.