I’ve had the pleasure of attending Groundswell two years running. I can firmly say that it stands in my top two conferences of the year to attend. Along with Oxford Real Farming Conference, both events now draw in crowds of the 1000’s and generate a space of constructive and lively debate.
These spaces are, for many, infrequent opportunities to test ideas and build peer-to-peer support in a time that requires a mindset shift toward what Clare Hill calls ‘eco-literacy’ (listen to the discussion on the Agrifood for Net Zero Podcast).
A regenerative transition requires engaging with whole systems thinking – embracing complexity across landscape change and mindset change. Through this collective realisation, enthusiasm flourishes and has certainly propelled us at the Land Trust to continue bringing about enduring, positive transformations in the realm of ecological and biodynamic agriculture.
On this note, we wanted to share some of the session highlights with discussions exploring the multi-faceted challenges of adopting regenerative practices – specifically running a profitable farm business in times of market volatility, producing healthy and affordable food alongside delivering higher animal welfare, and environmental outcomes. No easy task!
Session 1: STACKING ENTERPRISES: DIVERSITY FOR GREATER GAINS
Speakers: Tim May – farmer at Kingsclere Estate, Matt Swarbick – farmer in Henbant, North Wales, Nicola Renison – farmer in Cumbria
- Enterprise stacking has the potential to foster an approach to run a farm business like an ecosystem. It lends itself to a holistic approach to sustainability, advocating for an active role in positively influencing the cycles we are part of, with a focus on creating a harmonious relationship between economic, social, and environmental aspects one’s business model. As Tim May advocated – “You are only as resilient as your neighbour and your community”
- For those interested in enterprise stacking and have a business idea but no land and limited start-up costs reach out to Kingsclere Estate. Underpinning their enterprise stacking concept is the new ‘Pitch Up’ idea that offers a range of business support covering low overheads and shared running costs; minimising financial risks, marketing support, connections to customers, and access to land and raw materials.
NB. The biodynamic approach is built on the whole farm concept (of mixed farming) which encompasses a diversity of farm activity/enterprises so that it is self-supporting and resilient.
Session 2: ANSWER TIME
Speakers: Sue Pritchard – Future Farming Countryside Commission, Jenny Phelps MBE – The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Dr. Lindsay Whistance – Organic Research Centre, Janet Dwyer OBE – University of Gloucestershire, Janet Hughes – Defra’s Future Farming and Countryside Programme, Russ Carrington – Farm Consultant
A Holistic Approach to Livestock is vital –
- Livestock’s contribution to Ecosystem Regeneration: Too often the discussion around livestock is reduced to carbon emissions – also known as ‘carbon tunnel vision’. This framing alone oversimplifies the complex environmental impacts of livestock. While livestock farming does contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, it also has other ecological, economic and social contributions that must be considered. Focusing solely on carbon emissions might lead to the misconception that eliminating livestock entirely is the only solution. However, well-managed grazing systems can contribute positively to ecosystem health, carbon sequestration, and natural soil fertility. A more balanced perspective enables us to identify and promote sustainable livestock practices. Food Security and Nutrition: Livestock plays a critical role in food security, especially in many developing regions. Animal-sourced foods are essential sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals for billions of people. Dismissing livestock without considering alternative protein sources and nutritional implications could lead to unintended consequences. Cultural and socio-economic factors: Livestock rearing has deep-rooted cultural and socio-economic significance in various communities. It provides livelihoods, supports rural economies, and is an integral part of traditional practices.
- Innovation and technology – could serve potential benefits for the livestock sector, investments in research and innovation can drive improvements for example in feed efficiency and waste management. However, we must not allow automation to replace the relationship between farmer and animal and soil. Or the deep-rooted knowledge that is the bedrock of traditional ecologically resilient farming systems.
Both sessions pull into focus two vital components for a successful transition to regenerative practices and one which encapsulates large-scale participation.
Lesson 1: A move away from reductionist thinking to embrace holistic, complex solutions is vital and will require ‘holistic ecological literacy’ across society – Groundswell is part of building this valuable step.
Lesson 2: At every stage of their journey, farmers face significant risks in transforming their businesses into innovative, resilient, and sustainable farms. Start-ups and land-sharing approaches that embrace enterprise stacking are becoming a pivotal move in building a robust and adaptive agricultural sector that holds the potential for greater profitability and ecosystem sustainability.
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