Adapting with Purpose: Farming in a Changing World

On Wednesday the 12th November we will be hosting our Farming Conference on the question ‘Adapting with Purpose: Farming in a Changing World?’

The Conference will run from 7.00pm to 9.00pm online. If attending in person, pre- and post-event refreshments and network opportunities will be available from 6.00pm to 10.00pm.

With subsidies fading and instability rising—from climate shocks to shifting markets—farmers face a future that demands agility, innovation, and new ways of thinking. This conference will explore: Which farming models are fit for a volatile future? What does resilience really look like? And can the industry afford to cling to tradition, or is it time to back bold alternatives? Expect challenge, debate, and ideas that push the boundaries of what farming could, and should, be.

BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today presenter Charlotte Smith will be chairing and will be joined by a distinguised panel of leaders in their fields – Helen Browning OBE, Chief Executive of the Soil Association, John Gregson, General Manager of Regenified.

About our speakers:

Helen Browning OBE, Chief Executive, Soil Association

Helen is Chief Executive of the Soil Association and a pioneering organic farmer. Born and raised on her family farm in Wiltshire, Helen knew from the age of nine that she wanted to be a “proper farmer.” At just 24, she took over the tenancy of Eastbrook Farm, soon beginning its conversion to organic production. Her work has focused not only on creating healthy soils and landscapes but also on championing high standards of animal welfare, particularly developing innovative organic pig systems that allow animals to live naturally outdoors.

Alongside her farming, Helen has contributed to national food and farming policy as a member of the Curry Commission into the Future of Farming. She was awarded the OBE in 1998 for services to agriculture. Helen believes true success lies in creating vitality and livelihoods from the land and finds her greatest contentment when walking the fields and admiring how well the next generation are now doing the farming!

John Gregson, General Manager, Regenified

John grew up on a 100 acre tenant farm in West Lancashire, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to the vital role smaller and family farms play in the food system and the transition to regenerative agriculture. Today, he serves as the UK General Manager for Regenified, where he works to accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices across the farming and supply chains. Before joining Regenified, John spent 25 years at Waitrose in various senior communication, agriculture, public affairs and ethics and sustainability roles, helping to develop and implement the retailer’s farming and sustainability strategy.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist and commodity trader, gaining a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. He is a graduate of the Royal Agricultural College. John remains passionate about championing regenerative approaches that can secure a resilient, thriving future for farmers and the land.

Richard Means, Managing Partner, Ceres Rural

Richard is a Managing Partner at Ceres Rural, a leading, rapidly growing, independent rural consultancy. Richard specialises in farm management and strategic farm advice to improve productivity, sustainability and resilience. He also carries out the agronomy and manages his own 650 hectare farm business in West Norfolk, where he has pioneered farm trials of various concepts and technologies. He is always willing to learn and does so through participation in several projects including ADAS YEN, the Kelloggs Origins Group and the Framework for Improving Nitrogen Efficiency trials.

He has undertaken several due diligence projects on large scale purchases and refinancing deals, in particular those relating to anaerobic digestion.

Richard is BASIS, FACTS, BETA and FAAV qualified and a Fellow of the Institute of Agricultural Management. As well as being a Trustee for a few farming clients, he sits on committees for the local branches of organisations such as the CAAV, IAgrM and GWCT and took on the Chairman role at Fengrain to oversee its financial restructure and ultimate sale in 2024.

Photographers will be present and should always ask permission for individual photography. If you do not wish your image to be included in the background please make yourself known to Society staff when you attend.