Come and find our tent at C26

The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems. The AFN Network+ will again be having a stand, with a variety of sessions throughout the two days. We will be adding details, including the dates and times of sessions, as these are confirmed.

Alternative proteins – what’s in it for farmers & land use change?

Livestock production and alternative proteins are likely to sit increasingly side-by-side in the coming years, with alternative products taking greater market share than currently. What might this mean for farmers? Are there potential opportunities? And what are the implications for land use change, carbon sequestration, and emissions in general? Our speakers share their research on this topic. Join researchers from the Royal Agriculture University and others.

Building public resilience to food system shocks – the role of farmers & landowners

Professor Tim Lang’s research for the National Preparedness Commission asks; “what would the UK public do” in the case of a food system failure? Other countries, including Sweden, are beginning to build ‘civic defence’ into their food systems, so that communities have the resilience to continue feeding themselves, if food chains fail. What might this mean for the UK? How can farmers play their vital roles in working with local people and building community resilience? Join Prof Tim Lang and others to discuss.

De-risking the transition – collective insurance and green financing

Farmers are under immense pressure and transitioning farming practices can feel daunting – and risky – in those first few years. For many farmers, this can be enough to stop them taking that leap. How could collective insurance and green financing in its many forms help de-risk and unlock that transition? Dr Zainab Oyetunde-Osman and others share their latest research, including the viability of collective landscape scale insurance.

Is bigger better: farm finances, profitability & sustainability

Is a bigger herd, bigger cow, bigger yield, always better? In this session, our speakers explore how livestock farmers can focus on improving their financial performance and optimising their own individual system. We will cover inputs, optimising herd size for winter management and carrying capacity, and selecting out unproductive animals. Join Nikki Yoxall (Pasture for Life), farmers and others, to discuss.

Salary sacrifice – a tool to support sustainable farming?

The Balanced Bite project supports the development of resilient local and regional food systems by investing in initiatives that improve access to affordable, and nutritious food for all. Through public sector local food procurement and salary sacrifice schemes, it provides funding that promote sustainable food production, strengthen supply chains, and tackle food insecurity.  Join Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu and other speakers to find out more.

How do we get voters to care about food systems transformation?

We know the evidence for a low emissions, biodiverse and healthy agri-food system, but peoples’ priorities are changing. With Reform on the rise, populist culture and misinformation risk derailing the appetite for change. In this roundtable session hosted by the AFN+ Champions (Emily Norton, Elta Smith, Ali Morpeth) we will come together to discuss ideas on how to help voters care about agri-food systems transformation. Places limited to 14, first come first served.