In this months episode we head to Scotland to hear about a Beltane celebration for young people in rural areas. We speak to the organiser of the London-based Black Farmers Market, and we check in with another farmer benefiting from the Pasture for Life mentoring program.This episode of Farmerama was made by Abby Rose Jo Barratt Katie Revell and Dora Taylor. A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Olivia Oldham,  Fran Bailey, Annie Landless and Eliza Jenkins . Our theme music is by Owen Barratt.

In this months episode we head to Scotland to hear about a Beltane celebration for young people in rural areas. We speak to the organiser of the London-based Black Farmers Market, and we check in with another farmer benefiting from the Pasture for Life mentoring program. This episode of Farmerama was made by Abby Rose Jo Barratt Katie Revell and Dora Taylor. A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Olivia Oldham, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless and Eliza Jenkins . Our theme music is by Owen Barratt.

84: Beltane celebrations, Black farmers market and mentoring

This month we meet two people who are building a community group to celebrate an earth-based connection between their religion and the land. We learn about the success of a mentoring programme for farmers. And we end with a request from a Botanist.  We're very grateful to those of you that support us and allow us to bring you these stories every month. Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference to us. So if you'd like to become a supporter, you can visit patreon.com/farmerama.

This month we meet two people who are building a community group to celebrate an earth-based connection between their religion and the land. We learn about the success of a mentoring programme for farmers. And we end with a request from a Botanist.   We're very grateful to those of you that support us and allow us to bring you these stories every month. Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference to us. So if you'd like to become a supporter, you can visit <a href="http://patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/farmerama</a>.

83: a Jewish grassroots collective, mentoring and native wild plants

This is a short episode about the Jumping Fences report. Jumping Fences is about understanding the barriers that prevent Black people and people of colour from accessing land for agroecological farming in Britain – and addressing those barriers.The report is a collaboration between the Landworkers’ Alliance, Land in Our Names and the Ecological Land Cooperative. It builds on a previous project, Rootz into Food Growing, which was focused on London.Jumping Fences was launched in the Justice Hub at the 2023 Oxford Real Farming Conference. Following the launch, Katie spoke to Jumping Fences’ lead researcher, Naomi Terry, as well as two of the people interviewed for the report – pig farmer Flavian Obiero, and cut flower farmer Cel Robertson.Links:Read the report here: https://landinournames.community/projects/jumping-fencesListen back to the launch event and discussion here: https://orfc.org.uk/session/jumping-fences-report-land-justice-food-justice-and-racial-justice-in-british-farming/Tags:Naomi Terry: Instagram @naomitezFlavian Obiero: Instagram @thekenyanpigfarmer / Twitter @kenyanpigfarmerCel Robertson: Instagram @forevergreenflowercoLandworkers’ Alliance: @landworkersallianceEcological Land Coop: @eco_land_coopLand in Our Names: @landinournamesOxford Real Farming Conference: @oxfordrealfarmingconference

This is a short episode about the Jumping Fences report. Jumping Fences is about understanding the barriers that prevent Black people and people of colour from accessing land for agroecological farming in Britain – and addressing those barriers. The report is a collaboration between the Landworkers’ Alliance, Land in Our Names and the Ecological Land Cooperative. It builds on a previous project, Rootz into Food Growing, which was focused on London. Jumping Fences was launched in the Justice Hub at the 2023 Oxford Real Farming Conference. Following the launch, Katie spoke to Jumping Fences’ lead researcher, Naomi Terry, as well as two of the people interviewed for the report – pig farmer Flavian Obiero, and cut flower farmer Cel Robertson. Links: Read the report here: https://landinournames.community/projects/jumping-fences Listen back to the launch event and discussion here: <a href="https://orfc.org.uk/session/jumping-fences-report-land-justice-food-justice-and-racial-justice-in-british-farming/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://orfc.org.uk/session/jumping-fences-report-land-justice-food-justice-and-racial-justice-in-british-farming/</a> Tags: Naomi Terry: Instagram @naomitez Flavian Obiero: Instagram @thekenyanpigfarmer / Twitter @kenyanpigfarmer Cel Robertson: Instagram @forevergreenflowerco Landworkers’ Alliance: @landworkersalliance Ecological Land Coop: @eco_land_coop Land in Our Names: @landinournames Oxford Real Farming Conference: @oxfordrealfarmingconference

Shorts: Jumping Fences

This month we start by hearing about the possibilities of supply networks fuelled by sailing ships. We are encouraged to think again about water in the landscapes we are part of, and we hear how one woman in Mexico is working on connecting people in the financial world and those who work with the land with the aim of re-orienting our economy so it serves life.We're very grateful to those of you that support us and allow us to bring you these stories every month. Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference to us. So if you'd like to become a supporter, please visit.https://www.patreon.com/farmeramaThis episode of Farmerama was made by me, Jo Barratt, Abby Rose, and Dora Taylor. A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Katie Revell, Olivia Oldham, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Lucy Fisher. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt

This month we start by hearing about the possibilities of supply networks fuelled by sailing ships. We are encouraged to think again about water in the landscapes we are part of, and we hear how one woman in Mexico is working on connecting people in the financial world and those who work with the land with the aim of re-orienting our economy so it serves life. We're very grateful to those of you that support us and allow us to bring you these stories every month. Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference to us. So if you'd like to become a supporter, please visit. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/farmerama</a> This episode of Farmerama was made by me, Jo Barratt, Abby Rose, and Dora Taylor. A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Katie Revell, Olivia Oldham, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Lucy Fisher. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt

82: Sail powered supply networks, Hydrology and a regenerative finance model

This month Severine von Tscharner Fleming tells us all about the work she's been doing as part of the Seaweed Commons, an international learning and advocacy network for conservation minded seaweed farmers, wild harvesters, marine biologists and researchers.We also have the third and final installment of our series on animal feed made in collaboration with Wicked Leeks. This episode, Wicked Leeks editor Nina Pullman speaks with Amy Chapple - daughter of Mark Chapple who you’ll remember from last week’s episode -  about her soy-free pigs. Wicked Leeks are exploring this topic in a documentary entitled ‘What’s the Problem with Animal Feed?’ which meets some of the farmers trying to reverse agriculture’s soy addiction. If you are interested in more stories on sustainable food and ethical business, you can sign up online to receive the weekly edition of the Wicked Leeks magazine. Finally, we hear from Sérgio Nicolau in Portugal about his transition from conventional to organic, and then regenerative winemaking. He shares with us how he uses a combination of sap analysis, brix readings and hole digging to understand what is working on his vineyard.This episode of Farmerama was made by Jo Barratt and Abby Rose. Additional recordings by Nina Pullman, editor at Wicked Leeks.A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Dora Taylor, Olivia Oldham, Katie Revell, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Lucy Fisher. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt.Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. We appreciate it. If you'd like to join, please visit patreon.com/farmerama where you can choose your level of support.

This month Severine von Tscharner Fleming tells us all about the work she's been doing as part of the Seaweed Commons, an international learning and advocacy network for conservation minded seaweed farmers, wild harvesters, marine biologists and researchers. We also have the third and final installment of our series on animal feed made in collaboration with Wicked Leeks. This episode, Wicked Leeks editor Nina Pullman speaks with Amy Chapple - daughter of Mark Chapple who you’ll remember from last week’s episode - about her soy-free pigs. Wicked Leeks are exploring this topic in a documentary entitled ‘What’s the Problem with Animal Feed?’ which meets some of the farmers trying to reverse agriculture’s soy addiction. If you are interested in more stories on sustainable food and ethical business, you can sign up online to receive the weekly edition of the Wicked Leeks magazine. Finally, we hear from Sérgio Nicolau in Portugal about his transition from conventional to organic, and then regenerative winemaking. He shares with us how he uses a combination of sap analysis, brix readings and hole digging to understand what is working on his vineyard. This episode of Farmerama was made by Jo Barratt and Abby Rose. Additional recordings by Nina Pullman, editor at Wicked Leeks. A big thanks to the rest of the Farmerama team Dora Taylor, Olivia Oldham, Katie Revell, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Lucy Fisher. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt. Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. We appreciate it. If you'd like to join, please visit <a href="http://patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/farmerama</a> where you can choose your level of support.

81: The Seaweed Commons, Soy-free Pigs and Regenerative Viticulture

This special episode features a conversation recorded with Vandana Shiva at the 2023 Oxford Real Farming Conference. Following the publication of her memoir, Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements – which coincided with her 70th birthday – the writer and activist was at ORFC to reflect on her life and to take part in a discussion on the future of GM in the UK. We asked her about her four decades of work as an advocate for farmers’ rights, indigenous knowledge, food and seed sovereignty, diversity, and localisation, her thoughts on gene editing, and her sources of motivation.Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements is published by Chelsea Green. Find out more at: https://chelseagreen.co.uk/book/terra-viva/Watch Jyoti Fernandes in conversation with Vandana Shiva at ORFC – “In the Name of the Farmer: Vandana Shiva recalls a lifetime of campaigning for small-scale farmers” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTZxmXdxAjI Watch the ORFC discussion “GM’s False Promises: could the UK be next?” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYi848m6BN8Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. www.patreon.com/farmerama

This special episode features a conversation recorded with Vandana Shiva at the 2023 Oxford Real Farming Conference. Following the publication of her memoir, Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements – which coincided with her 70th birthday – the writer and activist was at ORFC to reflect on her life and to take part in a discussion on the future of GM in the UK. We asked her about her four decades of work as an advocate for farmers’ rights, indigenous knowledge, food and seed sovereignty, diversity, and localisation, her thoughts on gene editing, and her sources of motivation. Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements is published by Chelsea Green. Find out more at: <a href="https://chelseagreen.co.uk/book/terra-viva/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://chelseagreen.co.uk/book/terra-viva/</a> Watch Jyoti Fernandes in conversation with Vandana Shiva at ORFC – “In the Name of the Farmer: Vandana Shiva recalls a lifetime of campaigning for small-scale farmers” here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTZxmXdxAjI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTZxmXdxAjI</a> Watch the ORFC discussion “GM’s False Promises: could the UK be next?” here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYi848m6BN8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYi848m6BN8</a> Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. <a href="http://www.patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/farmerama</a>

Shorts: Vandana Shiva

This month, we continue to share some of the conversations we had at the Oxford Real Farming Conference at the beginning of the year. First, we meet Satish Kumar, founder of Schumacher College and editor of Resurgence and Ecologist Magazine. Satish shared his meditation practice with the conference, and talked to us about his connection to food and nature. Next, we hear from Pete Ritchie and Anna Chworow from Nourish Scotland, to talk about the work they have done supporting the Scottish Agricultural bill.We also have the second interview in a series we’ve made with Wicked Leeks, about animal feed. In this episode, Wicked Leeks editor Nina Pullman speaks with Mark Chapple, and meets some of the soya free and pasture reared chickens on his farm. Wicked Leeks have made a documentary on this topic, called ‘What’s the Problem with Animal Feed?’ which meets some of the farmers trying to reverse agriculture’s soy addiction. If you are interested in more stories on sustainable food and ethical business, you can sign up online to receive the weekly edition of the Wicked Leeks magazine.This episode of Farmerama was made by Jo Barratt, Abby Rose, Katie Revell, Olivia Oldham and Dora Taylor. Additional recordings by Nina Pullman, editor at Wicked Leeks.A big thanks to the rest of the farmerama team Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Fran Bailey. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt.Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. https://www.patreon.com/farmerama

This month, we continue to share some of the conversations we had at the Oxford Real Farming Conference at the beginning of the year. First, we meet Satish Kumar, founder of Schumacher College and editor of Resurgence and Ecologist Magazine. Satish shared his meditation practice with the conference, and talked to us about his connection to food and nature. Next, we hear from Pete Ritchie and Anna Chworow from Nourish Scotland, to talk about the work they have done supporting the Scottish Agricultural bill. We also have the second interview in a series we’ve made with Wicked Leeks, about animal feed. In this episode, Wicked Leeks editor Nina Pullman speaks with Mark Chapple, and meets some of the soya free and pasture reared chickens on his farm. Wicked Leeks have made a documentary on this topic, called ‘What’s the Problem with Animal Feed?’ which meets some of the farmers trying to reverse agriculture’s soy addiction. If you are interested in more stories on sustainable food and ethical business, you can sign up online to receive the weekly edition of the Wicked Leeks magazine. This episode of Farmerama was made by Jo Barratt, Abby Rose, Katie Revell, Olivia Oldham and Dora Taylor. Additional recordings by Nina Pullman, editor at Wicked Leeks. A big thanks to the rest of the farmerama team Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Fran Bailey. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt. Thank you to everyone on our Patreon. Your support helps us in bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/farmerama</a>

80: Meditating on Nature, Devolved Farming Policy and Soya-free Chickens

In this special episode, we hear about the project “Agroecology: Enabling the Transition”, which brings together farmers, crofters and growers across Scotland to exchange knowledge and experience. Through farm visits, conversations and shared meals, the project aims to create supportive spaces where participants feel comfortable to ask questions, voice opinions, and learn new things. Funded by the Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund, the goal is to help embed and support the transition to agroecological practices in Scotland.Katie Revell met with three members of the South-West Scotland group – farmers John Veitch and Heather Close, and facilitator Abi Mordin – to hear about their experiences with the project.“Agroecology: Enabling the Transition” is a partnership between Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Propagate and Nourish Scotland.This episode of Farmerama was made by Katie Revell. Thanks as always to the rest of the Farmerama team: Abby Rose, Olivia Oldham, Jo Barratt, Dora Taylor, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless and Eliza Jenkins. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt.To learn more about the “Agroecology: Enabling the Transition” project, visit: https://www.nourishscotland.org/agroecology-enabling-the-transition/Find out more about Heather and Philip Close’s farm, Balsar Glen, here: https://www.balsarglen.com/ Join the Regenerative Farmers Network South West Scotland here: https://dgsustainablefoodpartnership.org/regenerative-farming-network

In this special episode, we hear about the project “Agroecology: Enabling the Transition”, which brings together farmers, crofters and growers across Scotland to exchange knowledge and experience. Through farm visits, conversations and shared meals, the project aims to create supportive spaces where participants feel comfortable to ask questions, voice opinions, and learn new things. Funded by the Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund, the goal is to help embed and support the transition to agroecological practices in Scotland. Katie Revell met with three members of the South-West Scotland group – farmers John Veitch and Heather Close, and facilitator Abi Mordin – to hear about their experiences with the project. “Agroecology: Enabling the Transition” is a partnership between Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Propagate and Nourish Scotland. This episode of Farmerama was made by Katie Revell. Thanks as always to the rest of the Farmerama team: Abby Rose, Olivia Oldham, Jo Barratt, Dora Taylor, Fran Bailey, Annie Landless and Eliza Jenkins. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt. To learn more about the “Agroecology: Enabling the Transition” project, visit: <a href="https://www.nourishscotland.org/agroecology-enabling-the-transition/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nourishscotland.org/agroecology-enabling-the-transition/</a> Find out more about Heather and Philip Close’s farm, Balsar Glen, here: <a href="https://www.balsarglen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.balsarglen.com/</a> Join the Regenerative Farmers Network South West Scotland here: <a href="https://dgsustainablefoodpartnership.org/regenerative-farming-network" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://dgsustainablefoodpartnership.org/regenerative-farming-network</a>

Shorts: Agroecology – Enabling the Transition

This month, we are at ORFC celebrating the first in-person conference for three years! We learn about beneficial beetles, alternative forms of land ownership, and some of the potential problems with the overproduction of soya. Thank you to everyone who signed up to our Patreon. We appreciate every one of you - your support helps us to keep bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/farmeramaLinks: Dr Kelly Jowett: https://beetlekell.wordpress.com/OSL: https://www.opensystemslab.io/projectsWicked Leeks: https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/Innovative Farmers: https://www.innovativefarmers.org/

This month, we are at ORFC celebrating the first in-person conference for three years! We learn about beneficial beetles, alternative forms of land ownership, and some of the potential problems with the overproduction of soya. Thank you to everyone who signed up to our Patreon. We appreciate every one of you - your support helps us to keep bringing you the stories of regenerative farming around the world, each month. Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/farmerama</a> Links: Dr Kelly Jowett: <a href="https://beetlekell.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://beetlekell.wordpress.com/</a> OSL: <a href="https://www.opensystemslab.io/projects" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.opensystemslab.io/projects</a> Wicked Leeks: <a href="https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/</a> Innovative Farmers: <a href="https://www.innovativefarmers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.innovativefarmers.org/</a>

79: ORFC 2023, Beetles, Land Ownership, Soya overproduction

Welcome to Farming Fashion, our three part series co-produced by Southeast and SOuth West England Fibresheds and Farmerama Radio. In this third and final episode we talk to three designers from independent design studios who work with native natural fibres and dyes  and who are pioneering a shift toward a new paradigm for fashion. While none of them would claim to be fully ‘regenerative’ they are transparent and open about their approaches to becoming more so, and take a deep, thoughtful approach to making small, truthful steps in the right direction. The first voice we hear is Tilly Kaye from Zero to Product, a design studio offering design and development services to the fashion industry. Next we hear from Pheobe English, another designer who through her connection with the Southeast England Fibreshed and Plaw Hatch Farm, is also now on a journey to rethinking how her brand designs and produces fashion.  Finally we hear from Deborah Barker, who besides being a co-producer in this series conducting the majority of the interviews,  has herself worked with natural dyes for 15  years and is also the regional coordinator for the Southeast ENgland Fibreshed.

Welcome to Farming Fashion, our three part series co-produced by Southeast and SOuth West England Fibresheds and Farmerama Radio. In this third and final episode we talk to three designers from independent design studios who work with native natural fibres and dyes and who are pioneering a shift toward a new paradigm for fashion. While none of them would claim to be fully ‘regenerative’ they are transparent and open about their approaches to becoming more so, and take a deep, thoughtful approach to making small, truthful steps in the right direction. The first voice we hear is Tilly Kaye from Zero to Product, a design studio offering design and development services to the fashion industry. Next we hear from Pheobe English, another designer who through her connection with the Southeast England Fibreshed and Plaw Hatch Farm, is also now on a journey to rethinking how her brand designs and produces fashion. Finally we hear from Deborah Barker, who besides being a co-producer in this series conducting the majority of the interviews, has herself worked with natural dyes for 15 years and is also the regional coordinator for the Southeast ENgland Fibreshed.

Farming Fashion: Part 3

Farmerama Radio is an award-winning podcast sharing the voices behind regenerative farming. We are committed to positive ecological futures for the earth and its people, and we believe that farmers of the world will determine this.Each month, we share the experiences of grass roots farmers instigating radical change for the future of our food, our health, and the planet. Tune in to hear how these producers are discovering a more ecological farming future and to learn how their decisions can have a positive impact on us all. This is regenerative farming in action.

I love this podcast! They do a great job interviewing small farmers across the world. Even though there is diversity, I find inspiration in every episode. Loved the cereal series the most, great job Farmerama! Cheers from Oregon!

Inspiring farm podcast!

Go, small farmers!

Farmerama Radio is an award-winning podcast sharing the voices behind regenerative farming. We are committed to positive ecological futures for the earth and its people, and we believe that farmers of the world will determine this. Each month, we share the experiences of grass roots farmers instigating radical change for the future of our food, our health, and the planet. Tune in to hear how these producers are discovering a more ecological farming future and to learn how their decisions can have a positive impact on us all. This is regenerative farming in action.

Farmerama

This month we start off by hearing about the power of gardens to provide sanctuary to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Then we head across the pond to Maine, where we tap into the knowledge of an organic farming legend and hear what has inspired him over his 50 years in farming. We hop over to Oregon to talk large scale biodynamic wine and we end with a few words of farewell from our resident market gardener. Thanks to Rebel Kitchen for supporting this episode

This month we start off by hearing about the power of gardens to provide sanctuary to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Then we head across the pond to Maine, where we tap into the knowledge of an organic farming legend and hear what has inspired him over his 50 years in farming. We hop over to Oregon to talk large scale biodynamic wine and we end with a few words of farewell from our resident market gardener. Thanks to Rebel Kitchen for supporting this episode

45: Gardens of Sanctuary, the adventure of organic farming, and biodynamic wines

This month, we dip into the wonderful world of agroforestry: both the help on hand to support farmers planting/managing trees and the stories of two farmers who have been pleasantly surprised at the benefits trees bring to their farm. Abby has been in California and she reports from an event celebrating women’s leadership in farming. Finally we have the first in a series of dispatches from a young farmer who's setting up a new farm – from the ground up.

27:  Agroforestry with sheep & chickens, female farming voices & starting a market garden

Scottish Crofting, alternatives to certification, Irish seaweed farming and more from young farmers around the world

03: Scottish Crofting, alternatives to certification, Irish seaweed & young farmers around the world

We are in a festive mood this month. Spirits are high with some special guests making a late appearance. New reporter Hannah Shlotter chats lettuce lawns and  compost with grower Alice Holden at one of London’s best known urban farms in Dagenham. CSA Network head Robert Simpson makes a comeback with his tips on polytunnels for goats. Ben Raskin brings us up to date on the newest varieties of blight resistant potatoes and we hear from a farmer without a farm.

05: Lettuce lawns, no-dig compost, blight-resistant potatoes, mobile polytunnels and festive guests

Sylvia Kay

Nikos Vrantsis reports from Greece for Farmerama where he  had the unexpected luck to meet Sylvia Kay, among a visionary crowd of growers, food communities and experts gathered for 2017’s European Rural Sustainability Gathering.Sylvia is a researcher and member of the environmental and agrarian justice team of the Transnational Institute (TNI). Her team is monitoring policies around key natural resources like land, forests, food, trying to empower growers and put local communities in the heart of decision-making when it comes to how their resources are governed. A main obstacle, to achieve this, is the global phenomenon of land grabbing.  Nikos Vrantsis a greek journalist reporting on urban regeneration &amp; living cities initiatives as well as on land land grabbing and land speculation issues. He is currently writing a series of stories on the phenomenal, textbook land grabbing case taking place in Warsaw.

Nikos Vrantsis reports from Greece for Farmerama where he had the unexpected luck to meet Sylvia Kay, among a visionary crowd of growers, food communities and experts gathered for 2017’s European Rural Sustainability Gathering. Sylvia is a researcher and member of the environmental and agrarian justice team of the Transnational Institute (TNI). Her team is monitoring policies around key natural resources like land, forests, food, trying to empower growers and put local communities in the heart of decision-making when it comes to how their resources are governed. A main obstacle, to achieve this, is the global phenomenon of land grabbing. Nikos Vrantsis a greek journalist reporting on urban regeneration &amp; living cities initiatives as well as on land land grabbing and land speculation issues. He is currently writing a series of stories on the phenomenal, textbook land grabbing case taking place in Warsaw.

Shorts: Sylvia Kay on land grabbing in Europe

Grain Lab

This month we’ve gone a little grain mad at UK Grain Lab. We learn about grain populations and heritage grains, innovative projects that connect millers, bakers and farmers and we chat to bakers around the world experimenting with more diverse flours. Then we jump across the Pennines to hear from students embedding sustainable food into student life. Thanks to our supporters Rebel Kitchen for making this episode possible.

40: Grain Lab, Flour Ambassadors, and Students helping to fix the food system

This month, we hear from herb growers and suppliers about the opportunities for growing herbs in the UK. We have the first of a series of reports from Jubilee Farm in Northern Ireland, offering a Christian perspective on agriculture and the environment. We take a visit to Humble by Nature, a tenant farm in the Welsh Wye Valley run by TV presenter Kate Humble we hear from an artisan pasta producer in Italy.

31: herbs, Christian perspectives on farming and aquaponics

Regular contributor Joel Rodker is creating a market garden from scratch and recording a diary for Farmerama as he goes. Here's is his report from December 2018

Shorts: Harvest Barn Market Garden December

Lots of fungi this month, both in the soils and for eating. We explore the parallels between the principles for healthy land and our own bodies. A young farmer introduces us to an experimental ‘pizza-shaped’ chicken enclosure and we hear how UK vineyards are working with the changing climates.

26: Fungi above & below ground, our microbiome, chicken homes & vines in the UK

Kathy Dice

The Savanna Institute are laying the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest. Over 100 farmers and researchers gathered to share learnings from different agroforestry and silvopasture operations. Kathy Dice and her partner own Red Fern Farm in Iowa. They were some of the pioneers of the agroforestry movement in the Midwest and their farm is now a successful u-pick perennial polyculture operation, where customers pick their own produce.

Shorts: Kathy Dice

David Montgomery

David Montgomery talks to Abi Glencross for Farmerama about his new book "Growing a Revolution"

Shorts: David Montgomery

This month, Abby spends some time with Josephina, a former art teacher, on her ranch in the Chilean mountains. Josephina started a group for women farmers in the region, which has grown to become a network of community support and friendship.Then, we hear about the Woodchip for Fertile Soils project run by Sally Westaway from the Organic Research Centre. As part of the project, Robert Benford of Down Farm takes in wood from William Hamer’s Hampshire Woodfuel Cooperative, and uses it to improve his soil. Next, we speak with Fred Price from Gothelney Farm, Somerset, who was on the show back in January. This time, he talks to us about a key part of his system: the pastured pigs. Fred explains how he uses a forage-based system to build soil, keep the pigs happy, and make sure the farm is ecologically and financially resilient. We also hear back from another old friend from a few episodes ago, Dan Rinke. As well as his farming experiments with Kim Hamblin at Art and Science, Oregon, Dan manages Johan Vineyards in the Willamette Valley, and he walks us through his regenerative vineyard management system. Finally, we return to the nuances of no-till and conservation agriculture, focusing this month on the application of glyphosate right before harvest in the UK, also known as pre-harvest crop desiccation. We can understand why farmers might want to do this, but this use of herbicides makes us uneasy. What do you think?Thanks for listening to Farmerama this month, and every month. Farmerama is made by Abby Rose, Katie Revell and Jo Barratt. This month, editing was by Suzie McCarthy, Louis Hudson and Zack Ekpe. Community support for the show comes from Hanna Soderlund, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Olivia Oldham, and our theme music is by Owen Barratt.

This month, Abby spends some time with Josephina, a former art teacher, on her ranch in the Chilean mountains. Josephina started a group for women farmers in the region, which has grown to become a network of community support and friendship. Then, we hear about the Woodchip for Fertile Soils project run by Sally Westaway from the Organic Research Centre. As part of the project, Robert Benford of Down Farm takes in wood from William Hamer’s Hampshire Woodfuel Cooperative, and uses it to improve his soil. Next, we speak with Fred Price from Gothelney Farm, Somerset, who was on the show back in January. This time, he talks to us about a key part of his system: the pastured pigs. Fred explains how he uses a forage-based system to build soil, keep the pigs happy, and make sure the farm is ecologically and financially resilient. We also hear back from another old friend from a few episodes ago, Dan Rinke. As well as his farming experiments with Kim Hamblin at Art and Science, Oregon, Dan manages Johan Vineyards in the Willamette Valley, and he walks us through his regenerative vineyard management system. Finally, we return to the nuances of no-till and conservation agriculture, focusing this month on the application of glyphosate right before harvest in the UK, also known as pre-harvest crop desiccation. We can understand why farmers might want to do this, but this use of herbicides makes us uneasy. What do you think? Thanks for listening to Farmerama this month, and every month. Farmerama is made by Abby Rose, Katie Revell and Jo Barratt. This month, editing was by Suzie McCarthy, Louis Hudson and Zack Ekpe. Community support for the show comes from Hanna Soderlund, Annie Landless, Eliza Jenkins and Olivia Oldham, and our theme music is by Owen Barratt.

47: Women farmers in Chile, woodchip, pasture-happy pigs and regenerative vineyard management

This month we we hear from across the pond how close connections between farmers and cooks are giving birth to new dishes and revenue streams. We get to the bottom of carbon cycles and learn what it really takes to build humus. Bees buzz happily as they are allowed to express their characteristics in alternative beekeeping methods and finally you’re invited to get involved in a citizen science project that celebrates allotments and home-grown veg. Thanks to E5 Bakehouse for supporting this show, we love their commitment to working with farmers to grow heritage grains locally, mill them on-site and produce the best loaf of bread.

25: Soil carbon uncovered, chef-farmer connections, happy bees & homegrown veg

This month we get an update from Abby’s farm in Chile a year after the huge fires burned all their crops. We head to a farm in Wales to learn how planning legislation is opening doors for people wanting to produce, and live sustainably. Then we head to the US to hear how one farmer is taking a philosophical approach to sharing the practice of farming and connecting to the land. And finally, back on British soil to hear from a long-time soil scientist about organic matter. Plus if you listen to the very end you will hear a nice teaser about an exciting opportunity in Scotland.

32: Post-fire update, Welsh new farmers policy, farming as practice & organic matter

If you live in Scotland – or even if you don’t – you might have heard that the Scottish Government will soon be introducing a “Good Food Nation Bill”. It’s set to be a wide-ranging piece of legislation, touching on health, sustainable production, food poverty, food culture, and a lot more besides. It has the potential to be radical and world-leading – or a huge missed opportunity. Katie spoke to Bella Crowe from Nourish Scotland about the Bill, the upcoming consultation, and the broader context for food in Scotland. Bella also explained the Scottish Food Coalition’s “Kitchen Table Talk” initiative: an effort to make sure the consultation is as broad and representative as possible.To find out more about the Good Food Nation Bill and the Kitchen Table talks, visit nourishscotland.org

If you live in Scotland – or even if you don’t – you might have heard that the Scottish Government will soon be introducing a “Good Food Nation Bill”. It’s set to be a wide-ranging piece of legislation, touching on health, sustainable production, food poverty, food culture, and a lot more besides. It has the potential to be radical and world-leading – or a huge missed opportunity. Katie spoke to Bella Crowe from Nourish Scotland about the Bill, the upcoming consultation, and the broader context for food in Scotland. Bella also explained the Scottish Food Coalition’s “Kitchen Table Talk” initiative: an effort to make sure the consultation is as broad and representative as possible. To find out more about the Good Food Nation Bill and the Kitchen Table talks, visit <a href="http://nourishscotland.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nourishscotland.org</a>

Shorts: Good Food Nation Bill

We are the bread system. If you eat bread – or any grains – you are part of it. So how can we all get involved, and what can we do to usher in the new grains movement to build joy, nutrition and resilience in all of our communities?In this final episode, we explore what a more efficient, nutritious, regenerative and joyful bread system might look like. We hear some of the ways people are coming together and building networks to strengthen the movement in the UK and further afield.It’s clear that in this beautifully complex, entangled system, even just a conversation can spark much wider change. This is a story of hope and a blueprint that has the potential to cause reverberations far beyond bread. It turns out that bread is political – and you, too, can take a stand for the world you want to live in. This might be our final episode of Cereal, but it isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning! Join the new grains movement. Talk to your local bakers, seek out local millers, thank your farmers, be open-minded, be curious. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed to Cereal. As well as the voices you hear in this episode, many more conversations have helped to shape the series. Thanks to Andrew Whitley (Scotland the Bread), Kim Bell (Small Food Bakery and UK Grain Lab), Mark Lea (Greenacres Farm), Fred Price (Gothelney Farmer), Steven Jacobs (Organic Farmers &amp; Growers), Ben MacKinnon (E5 Bakehouse), Anne Parry (Felin Ganol), Rupert Dunn (Torth y Tir), Josiah Meldrum (Hodmedods), Tomaso Ferrando (University of Antwerp) and Fintan Keenan. Thanks also to the Lost Revellers and everyone who came to the Nottingham Cereal launch harvest party and lent their voices to make the Flour Ambassador's Pledge.This series was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Roddick Foundation. Please listen, share, review and subscribe, and support the farmers instigating change. All six episodes can be found on Soundcloud and all podcasting platforms. And if you’d like to support Farmerama, visit patreon.com/farmerama.Cereal is produced and edited by Katie Revell, with support from Abby Rose and Jo Barratt. Suzie MacCarthy and Hanna Söderlund also worked on the series. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt. Voices:Andrew Whitley, co-founder of the Real Bread Campaign, and Scotland the BreadKimberley Bell, founder Small Food Bakery, NottinghamSteven Jacobs, Business Development Manager, Organic Farmers and GrowersBen MacKinnon, founder E5 Bakehouse, LondonAnne Parry, Felin Ganol Watermill, Wales, and Welsh Grain ForumRupert Dunn, Torth y Tir Community-Supported Peasant Bakery, WalesJosiah Meldrum, co-founder HodmedodsMark Lea, Greenacres Farm, ShropshireFred Price, Gothelney Farm, SomersetTomaso Ferrando, Bread as a CommonsFintan Keenan, farmer, miller and engineer, Denmark/Ireland

We are the bread system. If you eat bread – or any grains – you are part of it. So how can we all get involved, and what can we do to usher in the new grains movement to build joy, nutrition and resilience in all of our communities? In this final episode, we explore what a more efficient, nutritious, regenerative and joyful bread system might look like. We hear some of the ways people are coming together and building networks to strengthen the movement in the UK and further afield. It’s clear that in this beautifully complex, entangled system, even just a conversation can spark much wider change. This is a story of hope and a blueprint that has the potential to cause reverberations far beyond bread. It turns out that bread is political – and you, too, can take a stand for the world you want to live in. This might be our final episode of Cereal, but it isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning! Join the new grains movement. Talk to your local bakers, seek out local millers, thank your farmers, be open-minded, be curious. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed to Cereal. As well as the voices you hear in this episode, many more conversations have helped to shape the series. Thanks to Andrew Whitley (Scotland the Bread), Kim Bell (Small Food Bakery and UK Grain Lab), Mark Lea (Greenacres Farm), Fred Price (Gothelney Farmer), Steven Jacobs (Organic Farmers &amp; Growers), Ben MacKinnon (E5 Bakehouse), Anne Parry (Felin Ganol), Rupert Dunn (Torth y Tir), Josiah Meldrum (Hodmedods), Tomaso Ferrando (University of Antwerp) and Fintan Keenan. Thanks also to the Lost Revellers and everyone who came to the Nottingham Cereal launch harvest party and lent their voices to make the Flour Ambassador's Pledge. This series was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Roddick Foundation. Please listen, share, review and subscribe, and support the farmers instigating change. All six episodes can be found on Soundcloud and all podcasting platforms. And if you’d like to support Farmerama, visit <a href="http://patreon.com/farmerama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/farmerama</a>. Cereal is produced and edited by Katie Revell, with support from Abby Rose and Jo Barratt. Suzie MacCarthy and Hanna Söderlund also worked on the series. Our theme music is by Owen Barratt. Voices: Andrew Whitley, co-founder of the Real Bread Campaign, and Scotland the Bread Kimberley Bell, founder Small Food Bakery, Nottingham Steven Jacobs, Business Development Manager, Organic Farmers and Growers Ben MacKinnon, founder E5 Bakehouse, London Anne Parry, Felin Ganol Watermill, Wales, and Welsh Grain Forum Rupert Dunn, Torth y Tir Community-Supported Peasant Bakery, Wales Josiah Meldrum, co-founder Hodmedods Mark Lea, Greenacres Farm, Shropshire Fred Price, Gothelney Farm, Somerset Tomaso Ferrando, Bread as a Commons Fintan Keenan, farmer, miller and engineer, Denmark/Ireland

‘Cereal’ Episode 6: Grain futures

Leah Penniman

Leah Penniman is a farmer, author, activist and all-round inspiration who we were lucky enough to interview for this special show. Her book, ‘Farming While Black’, published by Chelsea Green Publishing, is a multi-layered journey with practical tips for beginner farmers, afro-indigenous recipes, leadership advice, the story of building a farm and serving a community. But at its heart, this is a call to action, empowering people of colour to reclaim traditions and cultures that have been suppressed by colonialism and slavery. Thanks to Chelsea Green Publishing for supporting this episode. Image: onion harvest at Soul Fire Farm, credit: Leah Penniman

Leah Penniman: Farming While Black

The UK is the fifth largest economy and has some of the cheapest bread in the world - is that something to be proud of, or is it a convenient outcome of a system that prioritises shareholder profit, fobs off economically deprived people with poor quality food, and throws away a third of what it produces?It’s so ingrained in us that cheap food is better for everyone, but in this episode we ask you to stop and really think - are we supporting a system that is efficient for lining the pockets of a few, whilst impoverishing everyone else? What if the real cost is our collective health, and the health of the planet? Bread is not just money, bread is nourishment, deliciousness, companionship, connectedness, pride, politics.In this episode we hear from bakers up and down the UK who are redefining the value of bread. Bakers who are making a stand for their communities and the planet.Bakers from some of the most economically deprived areas who are bringing meaning, intention and joy to their baking. Bakers who are being recognised for their craft and sharing the benefits with their local communities.This is about food networks, not food chains -- this is about reaching true efficiency that takes into account the whole system (health, environment, waste, community, joy), not just the financial balance sheet.The radical changes that bread has undergone are revealing of much wider truths about our relationships with food, to farmers, with the land, the environment, and with each other. If you eat food, you have a stake in this story.Voices: Chris MacCormack, Govanhill bread manTheo Laffargue, Riverside Bakery, Stirling, ScotlandBen MacKinnon, E5 Bakehouse, LondonCatriona Milligan, High Rise Bakers,The Gorbals, GlasgowRupert Dunn, Torth y Tir, WalesKimberley Bell, Small Food Bakery, Nottingham

The UK is the fifth largest economy and has some of the cheapest bread in the world - is that something to be proud of, or is it a convenient outcome of a system that prioritises shareholder profit, fobs off economically deprived people with poor quality food, and throws away a third of what it produces? It’s so ingrained in us that cheap food is better for everyone, but in this episode we ask you to stop and really think - are we supporting a system that is efficient for lining the pockets of a few, whilst impoverishing everyone else? What if the real cost is our collective health, and the health of the planet? Bread is not just money, bread is nourishment, deliciousness, companionship, connectedness, pride, politics. In this episode we hear from bakers up and down the UK who are redefining the value of bread. Bakers who are making a stand for their communities and the planet. Bakers from some of the most economically deprived areas who are bringing meaning, intention and joy to their baking. Bakers who are being recognised for their craft and sharing the benefits with their local communities. This is about food networks, not food chains -- this is about reaching true efficiency that takes into account the whole system (health, environment, waste, community, joy), not just the financial balance sheet. The radical changes that bread has undergone are revealing of much wider truths about our relationships with food, to farmers, with the land, the environment, and with each other. If you eat food, you have a stake in this story. Voices: Chris MacCormack, Govanhill bread man Theo Laffargue, Riverside Bakery, Stirling, Scotland Ben MacKinnon, E5 Bakehouse, London Catriona Milligan, High Rise Bakers,The Gorbals, Glasgow Rupert Dunn, Torth y Tir, Wales Kimberley Bell, Small Food Bakery, Nottingham

‘Cereal’ Episode 5: The best thing since sliced bread? Unsliced bread

Maria Partalidou

Rural Sociologist Maria Partalidou discusses Urban Farms in Greece. Maria spoke to Farmerama about the changing relationship between Urban and Rural communities in Greece in episode 28.

Rural Sociologist Maria Partalidou discusses Urban Farms in Greece. Maria spoke to Farmerama about the changing relationship between Urban and Rural communities in Greece in episode 28.

Shorts: Maria Partalidou on urban farms in Greece

Last year the majority of wheat grown in the UK went to feed animals. And of the wheat that did become flour in our homes and bakeries, most of that flour had to have nutrients added back into it - by law - because it was almost nutritionless by the time it came out of the mill. In episode 4 we ask how did the milling process lead us to producing flour with almost no nutritional value? And why would the majority of the wheat grown in the UK go to animal feed?We meet millers around the UK who are doing things differently, providing flour with terroir, flour that is fresh and filled with nutrition, using locally grown heritage varieties that are benefiting people and planet.The radical changes that bread has undergone are revealing of much wider truths about our relationships with food, to farmers, with the land, the environment, and with each other. If you eat food, you have a stake in this story.

Last year the majority of wheat grown in the UK went to feed animals. And of the wheat that did become flour in our homes and bakeries, most of that flour had to have nutrients added back into it - by law - because it was almost nutritionless by the time it came out of the mill. In episode 4 we ask how did the milling process lead us to producing flour with almost no nutritional value? And why would the majority of the wheat grown in the UK go to animal feed? We meet millers around the UK who are doing things differently, providing flour with terroir, flour that is fresh and filled with nutrition, using locally grown heritage varieties that are benefiting people and planet. The radical changes that bread has undergone are revealing of much wider truths about our relationships with food, to farmers, with the land, the environment, and with each other. If you eat food, you have a stake in this story.

‘Cereal’ Episode 4: The miller is missing

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