We’re celebrating 80 years – join the movement fighting for nature on farmland
We’re celebrating 80 years – join the movement fighting for nature on farmland.
Nature is in decline. You know it. We know it. Climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity loss are accelerating, and the way food is produced and consumed remains a major driver of environmental damage. Sometimes it can feel like there’s nothing any of us can do.
Yet, history tells us that when people get together – passionate, brave, won’t-take-no-people – they can change everything. We’re proof of it at Soil Association. For 80 years, we’ve helped pioneer organic farming and champion better food systems, working alongside farmers, food businesses, schools, caterers and communities to build a shared vision of nature-friendly farming and healthier diets.
What was once dismissed is now becoming the future. Our 80th milestone comes at a critical moment. The momentum is with us. But we need to move fast. We can challenge what’s possible for nature’s progress.
“Humanity’s future depends on our understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from it. Without a thriving natural world, we will not survive. Yet the way we farm and eat today is one of the biggest drivers of environmental damage.” Soil Association Chief Executive, Helen Browning.
To mark our anniversary year, we’ll be spotlighting 80 ‘voices’ from across the food and farming system. Farmers, growers, foresters, educators, businesses and community leaders who are helping to revive nature on farmland and reshape how food is produced and consumed.
The 80 'voices' represent many others - people across the movement who show us what’s possible. But the action of individuals isn’t enough. We need systemic change.
The impacts of farming reach far beyond the farm gate. If we don’t get this right, we will continue to see polluted rivers, degraded soils and declining wildlife. Farming must become part of the solution. We’re working to make that happen.
Looking ahead, we will:
- Support farmers and growers to transition to agroecological, nature-friendly farming that improves resilience and profitability
- Use data and evidence to push for policies that make sustainable farming the easy choice
- Help develop new income streams for farmers through emerging nature markets
- Expand our work in schools so more children can access healthy, sustainable meals and learn about food and farming
- Strengthen community-led food systems through programmes such as Sustainable Food Places
- Open up access to land through our Land Trust
As part of our anniversary year, we’re also launching a major fundraising drive. With the support of our partners, supporters and the public, we can scale this work and go further, and faster, to transform our food system.
We’re calling on allies across the food system, from farmers and foresters to caterers, retailers and local communities, to help shape a healthier, more sustainable future. Central to this is a shift in diets, including more fruit, vegetables and pulses, alongside meat and dairy from higher-welfare, nature-friendly systems.
This is a moment to act
There is growing recognition of the importance of getting food and farming right. Now, the challenge is delivering solutions at pace and scale. We have those answers and are determined to play our part.
Join the movement
Throughout the year, we’ll be inviting you to take part in events, campaigns and fundraising to support what we’re building together: a movement for change. You can be part of the group that secures our world for every generation that follows. Come and take your place.