A new regenerative farming conference has announced a prize fund of £5,000 to help farmers transition away from conventional systems.
LandAlive, which is set to take place on the 22nd and 23rd of November at the Bath & West Showground, features a lineup of farmers and industry speakers discussing how the food supply chain can become more resilient, profitable and environmentally sustainable.
The prize fund will provide two farmers, or farm advisors in the South West £2,500 each towards the Roots to Regeneration two-year regenerative farming programme.
“We must support our farming communities to evolve and respond to the increasing impacts of climate change,” says Carol Paris, chief executive at the Royal Bath & West Society.
“The prize fund, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Grocers, aims to stimulate innovation in farm business models in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health, animal welfare, and – importantly – supporting farmer wellbeing.”
There is a simple application process. Farmers can register their interest by booking a consultation at www.rootsofnature.co.uk, with the programme starting in February 2025 and run by regenerative agriculture leader Caroline Grindrod and farmer Clare Hill.
The programme will comprise a mix of practical and technical learning, with a focus on the bigger picture of the farm business model and the impact of farming businesses within the local economy and community.
“Agriculture and the food system is embedded within a wider economic system – you can’t really isolate the two,” says Tamara Giltsoff, co-founder of LandAlive.
Both Caroline and Clare will also be speaking at the event and will be able to meet delegates on their stand. More than 50 other speakers will take the stage over the two days, including farmers, consultants, scientists, environmentalists, food processors and health experts.
“Regenerative farming is not just the answer for more sustainable agriculture – it needs to be seen in the broader context of local and global health,” says Stewart Crocker at Sustainable Food Somerset.
“Common crops and vegetables have lost an average of 38% of their nutrients since the Second World War. Could regen farming help mend our broken NHS? Could it reverse the decline in soil health and biodiversity? Could it renew farmers’ passion for their job and bring about a more positive future for the sector?
“Our speakers think it can, and their enthusiasm, technical knowledge and practical advice is sure to leave visitors to LandAlive reinvigorated and inspired to bring regen farming into the mainstream.”
For more information go to www.landalive.co.uk