Groundswell - we're there in force!

Groundswell – we’re there in force!
Weds 1-Thurs 2 July Lannock Farm, SG4 7EE
Come and find us if you'd like to talk to a farming or policy advisor, or to talk about food systems, speak to the teams from Soil Association Exchange, Certification, the Land Trust, Adopt or Innovative Farmers. Or just stop by for a cup of tea and a chat – you'll find us in the Pasture Field at F13.

Please check the Groundwell programme in the coming days for more detail. 

SA tent, Pasture Field (F13)
Weds 11.30am
The state of UK farm resilience
What does resilience look like on UK farms today?
Drawing on data from 1,500 farms, this session shares real-world farmer stories, surprising findings and practical insights from Soil Association Exchange.
We’ll share how sustainability, productivity and profitability can work together and what’s possible when change happens at scale.

Weds 3pm
Organic farming – is it for me?
An informal discussion exploring organic production, conversion, certification, markets and supply chains, covering resilience and risk benefits, UK organic growth and opportunities.

Thurs 10.30am
How can policy help farmer build climate resilience?
Climate change is increasing pressure on farms through extreme weather and supply chain disruption.
Join farmers and policy advisers to explore agroecological practices that build resilience to flooding, drought and heatwaves, and discuss how effective policy can support farmers to adapt and thrive.

Thurs 2pm
Bury - A local food system revolution
Over the past five years, Soil Association has supported Bury, Greater Manchester, to transform its food system by strengthening local supply chains and embedding health, climate action and social value in public catering.
Thousands of children now receive healthier, fresher meals, with menus that are 25% organic. Find out how they did it …

Main sessions

The Future We Chose: what happened when we put nature at the heart of food and farming
A hopeful long-term vision of regenerative agriculture, improved soils, biodiversity, fair supply chains and healthy diets. Rob Hopkins chairs a panel comprised of those already making real-world change.

Regenerative grazing working for dairy
Dairy farmers share results from trials on taller grass grazing, showing cows can be well fed while soils and forage quality improve. The session explores practical grazing strategies that cut costs, extend grazing seasons and build resilience.

Fast trees for busy farmers, cool cows and snug sheep
Weather extremes are getting more common, with blazing sun, heavy rain and violent winds. Improving and increasing your farm’s trees and hedges is a great way to build resilience and cope with these challenges.
Ben Raskin shares ways to maximise existing woody plants, select fast-growing species and improve planting and management for rapid shade, shelter, browse benefits.

Trees for pollinators
Discover how agroforestry can support pollinators while improving farm resilience and productivity. Through farmer case studies, practical design ideas and expert insights, this session explores integrating flowering trees and shrubs into farming systems. Learn how pollinator-friendly agroforestry can boost biodiversity, stabilise yields and strengthen farm businesses.