LandAlive farming conference to launch £5,000 prize fund

LandAlive, which takes place on November 22 and 23 at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, will bring together expert farmers and speakers to discuss how the food supply chain can become more resilient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable.

The conference will explore how regenerative farming could provide the answer to healthier soils, farm business resilience, and food security.

The event will also see the launch of a new prize fund, offering £2,500 each to two farmers or farm advisers in South West England.

The fund is aimed at helping the winners make the transition to a regenerative farming system.

The prize money will go towards a two-year regenerative farming programme called Roots to Regeneration (R2R), which begins in February 2025 and is run by regenerative agriculture leader Caroline Grindrod and farmer Clare Hill.

Carol Paris, chief executive at the Royal Bath and West Society, said: "We must support our farming communities to evolve and respond to the increasing impacts of climate change.

The conference will explore how regenerative farming could provide the answer to healthier soils (Image: supplied)

"The prize fund, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Grocers, aims to stimulate innovation in farm business models in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health, animal welfare, and – importantly – supporting farmer wellbeing."

LandAlive co-founder Tamara Giltsoff said that those keen to apply for the prize can follow a simple application process, outlining their objective for joining the programme.

She said: "Agriculture and the food system is embedded within a wider economic system – you can’t really isolate the two.

"The programme comprises a mix of practical and technical learning, thinking about the bigger picture on the farm, the farm business model, and the impact of the farm within the local economy and community.

"It’s a hugely powerful course."

The event will see more than 50 farmers, consultants, scientists, environmentalists, food processors, and human health experts speak, offering their insight on various aspects of regenerative farming.

Stewart Crocker, at Sustainable Food Somerset, said: "Regenerative farming is not just the answer for more sustainable agriculture – it needs to be seen in the broader context of local and global health.

"Common crops and vegetables have lost an average of 38 per cent of their nutrients since the Second World War.

"Could regen farming help mend our broken NHS?

"Could it reverse the decline in soil health and biodiversity?

"Could it renew farmers’ passion for their job and bring about a more positive future for the sector?

"Our speakers think it can, and their enthusiasm, technical knowledge and practical advice is sure to leave visitors to LandAlive reinvigorated and inspired to bring regen farming into the mainstream."