ORFC 2026 8 – 9 Jan
ORFC 2026 8 – 9 Jan
Received wisdom tells us that polycultures, a farming technique that involves growing multiple crops in the same area, can be excellent for biodiversity by enhancing the number of wild species that occupy the land. However, biodiversity is not ‘one thing’ — we don’t yet know ‘what’ biodiversity polycultures can support — common species? Rare species? How do pests and beneficial species trade off in polycultures? Is there any benefit of polycultures for biodiversity in the…
We invite you to join fellow farmers and landworkers in ceremony to meet in a safe and sacred space with Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris.) Mugwort is a powerful plant ally of the Wise Isles (UK) it can be worked with as a tincture, balm, sacred smoke or infusion. Mugwort is a protector and keeper of the liminal and dream spaces. We will sit in circle together, incorporating meditation, movement, music/song and drinking an infusion of mugwort.…
The Ocean sustains all life but is often absent from our thinking about food and agriculture. This workshop allows participants to foster a deeper connection with the seas and engage in the wonders of ocean literacy through storytelling, games, and reflexive activities. We start with storytelling about (re)connecting with the sea through food. Then participants will be divided into groups to join in immersive activities developed by the Ocean Incubator Network to explore the role…
Conferences can be chaotic places. Retreat to the calm of compost, to clarify, ferment and cherish all that you have heard and felt. Plunge your digits into our hand-made compost remedy as we gently explore soil care practices crumble by crumble. What rot-epiphanies do you want to share? What poetry will you whisper or write to the dark matter? Sit, listen, talk, move as we embrace the discarded, make space for letting go and celebrate…
In the past year concern about ultra-processed foods (UPF) has entered the mainstream consciousness. A growing body of research has linked UPF to poor health and environmental outcomes, and governments are asking how they should respond. This session will explore the agroecological solution to the UPF challenge. If our industrial food system is oriented towards ultra-processing, undermining public and planetary health, can we create the conditions for a grassroots agroecological alternative, ensuring everyone can access…
We remain reliant on peat in horticulture despite the urgency to transition away from its use. Whilst some crops are now commonly sown into peat-free modules, many seedlings are grown in blocks that contain a large proportion of peat. This session will showcase the effort that is being made at multiple scales to remove peat from seedling blocks. It is vital that we keep driving progress towards removing peat from our growing systems and this…
The sustainable food movement faces a critical question: are we truly advancing a just food system? Marginalised communities, particularly Black and people of colour (BPOC), bear the brunt of global food and climate injustices but remain underrepresented in decision-making. Inspired by Eating Better’s Nourishing Justice guide, this panel explores the essential steps for meaningful change, highlighting radical honesty as key to moving beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) towards real social justice. We will discuss…
The current seed system emerged in the 20th century to protect farmers from disreputable merchants, to recognise and protect the efforts of plant breeders, and to drive innovation. Over time, legislation and regulation emerged to codify and protect it. Today that seed system is failing to serve farming, milling, baking and eating preferences for organic-agroecosystems. It appears slow to respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, resource constraints and diet-related ill-health and seems out of step…
Join IPES-Food and A Bigger Conversation for an interactive workshop exploring technological innovation in agroecology. This is an opportunity to help reframe and reclaim the innovation narrative, redefining technology in service of dignity, justice and resilience in food systems. Through small group discussions we will explore the elements of innovations that support diverse, sustainable production systems. We will collectively discuss real-world examples to understand tech and innovation, reflecting on benefits and trade-offs of various approaches…