Scottish Sustainable Farming Conference 2026
Building connections. Sharing solutions. Growing agroecology in Scotland.
The Soil Association Scotland team recently co-delivered a sold-out national conference at Guardswell Farm in Perthshire focused on organic, regenerative, and agroecological farming. Hosted as part of the Scottish Agroecology Partnership (SAP) – a coalition of 10 organisations rapidly becoming the voice for agroecology in Scotland – the event brought together farmers, crofters, growers, and new entrants.
A packed programme of practical learning
Attendees engaged in a diverse programme of panel discussions, practical workshops, outdoor demos, and farm walks. Technical sessions covered:
Finishing on grass, native breeds, and agroforestry
Succession planning, supply chains, and financial viability
Soil health workshops and the Moredun Institute’s mobile lab providing free faecal egg counts (FEC).
Building a resilient food system
Beyond a day out, the conference advanced a wider movement promoting a just transition away from fossil fuels toward a resilient, fair food system. New entrants played a central role, featured in the Emergent Generation panel session, Young regenerative farmers: opening the gate.
Key discussions centred on addressing infrastructure gaps and recognizing human infrastructure as vital for regional food networks. Connecting with local communities, peers, and support organisations like the Soil Association and SAP helps farmers build adaptive capacity. Soil Association CEO Helen Browning also joined sessions on agroforestry and farm finances before closing the event.
“These events are so important to promote farmer to farmer support which is vital to the development of the sector.” – Conference attendee
“My mindset changed when we had our first child. I can’t give him good looks, I can’t give him lots of money, but if I can give him good health through organic whole food, then that’ll be worth it.” – Phil Swire, panel speaker and organic farmer
Looking to the future
The event’s high popularity underscores a strong demand for these collaborative conversations. SAP will continue working to make agroecology central to farming, crofting, and growing in Scotland.
Supporting Partners: The Landworkers' Alliance, Nourish Scotland, Scottish Crofting Federation, Propagate (Scotland), Pasture for Life, Emergent Generation, Scottish Smallholding & Countryside Festival, Soil Association Scotland, Nature Friendly Farming Network, and Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Funding: Supported by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund as part of the ‘Upscaling Agroecology’ project.
For more information, visit www.agroecology.scot.
