Andy took his yearly pilgrimage to The Oxford Real Farming Conference two weeks ago and returned with a skip in his step. Launched in 2010, the ORFC attracts farmers, growers, activists, policymakers and researchers from around the world who are interested in transforming our food system. It’s become a place to share ideas and actions, from agro-ecology, regenerative agriculture, organic farming to indigenous food and farming systems. And so we asked if he'd share his thoughts and reflections on this two day event.
"This year's ORFC was a pick-me-up, a medicine and a cultural reset. At this time of year, in the depth of winter, I have time to reflect, time to dream and time to listen to the land. And ask important questions; are we doing the right thing whilst stewarding the land? Why do we do what we do? Should we have both sheep and cattle? Should we be planting more trees or less trees? How do we look after what we have? What can we do regarding public access? Should we welcome more people on the farm or less? You get the idea. However this is my first ORFC where I was puzzled as to why I was actually there. No longer a full time farmer - having sold the majority of my cattle in November 2023 - I was visiting as a semi-retired farmer, with new tenants Kate and Simon taking the reins. Attending the usual ORFC cattle sessions were no longer relevant and I was left wondering what is my thing? It was an emotional experience.
Yet wow, I love this conference. The ideas, the buzz and the energy. I explored Wastewater Wet Systems, Permaculture design and a Land, Food and Spirit session, and caught up with old and new friends from the world of Pasture For Life, often continuing conversations from 1-2 years ago. However towards the end of the first day I went to a session on land access with Sarah Langford & Amy Jane Beer. In Scotland, people have the right to walk, cycle and climb upon the land. Yet in England, it's a different story, with the public having access to just 8% of the land. Both speakers were supporting a campaign, named Right to Roam. This campaign has a vision of a countryside in which people not only enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of nature yet also serve as its guardians. Whilst I've always encouraged people onto the farm, I was grateful to return energised and focused with a strong sense of purpose; to help people reconnect with land, farming and nature. As well as a new mantra; "GET ON MY LAND!"
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