Why This Matters: In the face of the climate emergency and global instability, creating a resilient, localised food system has never been more urgent. We all need access to good, affordable, seasonal food grown to high environmental standards — and it’s essential that producers receive a fair return for their work.
Chair: Stewart Crocker, seasoned sustainable food and farming campaigner.
This is a challenge we must tackle together. No one should be left behind, and by working collectively, we can amplify impact, share resources, and create lasting change.
What to ExpectHear from farmers, growers, community organisers, and thought leaders who are already making change happen and discuss ideas and initiatives we could take forward together:
- The Big Picture – Graham Harvey, journalist, agricultural commentator, and former Archers agricultural story editor
- A Farmer’s Response – Andy Wear, Mendip Hills regenerative farmers producing nutrient-dense food, wool fibre, and fuel
- A Grower’s Response – Lily O’Dowd, manager of Dairy House Farm’s Market Garden, on the realities of running a community food enterprise
- Community Action – Jill Loader, Food Resilience Project Lead, Citizens Advice Somerset, on practical engagement options
- Driving Behavioural Change – Christopher Cooke, Managing Director of “5 Deep”, on advancing regeneration through community-led change
With time for Q&A, networking, and clear signposting for how you can get involved, this is an opportunity to move from awareness to action.
Join us — for fresh ideas, real stories, and practical ways to help create a fairer, greener, more resilient local food system.
