Cultivating conversations for sowing change

Now entering its 9th year, Groundswell continues to attract a diverse range of people from up and down the country, from farmers to land managers, environmentalists to agronomists and chefs. It is the place to be for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and food production.

Although the focus is primarily conservation agriculture and regenerative systems, with more than 400 speakers over 2 days, you would be hard pressed not to find something of interest or someone to challenge your thinking.

The CLA Midlands and East teams, alongside London colleagues and Officers, joined forces once again this year to welcome a great number of members and non-members to the CLA stand.

As well as holding our own series of seminars we were also honoured to host HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh with guests Tim Hopkin, founder of The Land App, Ian Piggott representing Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) and Ernest Cook Trust, Tom McVeigh, Nuffield Scholar and Jo Webb from Addington Fund. There was positive and engaging discussion about the future of farming and diversification, as well as the challenges of running family businesses.

As the second day drew to a close, we also had the opportunity for a short round table discussion with Secretary of State for the Environment, the Rt Hon Steve Reed. The ‘new’ Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme was the main topic of conversation where we were able to feed in what members have felt has worked well so far and what needs change or avoiding.

Groundswell will be back next year and be bigger and better than ever on the 1st and 2nd July. See you there.