Fast forward to the conference and I was whisked into the speakers’ reception leaving Sam in the lobby. Following initial remarks, the film Blue World was shown. Then the panel of the film maker, senior EU figures and myself took questions from the chair and the audience. Fellow panel members were very supportive and I hope that I managed a useful contribution. All seemed happy at the reception after the event.
The following morning, I was invited to the British Embassy to meet with EU leaders on environmental issues and agricultural attaches from around the world. Following some introductory comments, I answered for nearly two hours on how the new system of payments was perceived in the UK and how I was reacting on my farm. There was genuine interest with the upcoming EU elections and how to react to European farmer protests. It was an absorbing and fascinating session.
After the meeting, Sam and I had a chance to explore Brussels. Obviously the Manneken Pis and the Brussels beer museum. A pleasant lunch with much farming chat led us back to the Eurostar and then back the relative seclusion of the Darent Valley.
Groundswell Agriculture Festival is the UK’s largest event dedicated to farming that regenerates the soil and restores nature. It’s a unique blend of industry conference and lively festival. This year, I took the plunge, braved the camping, and immersed…
Last year, an innovative partnership emerged between Kent Wildlife Trust, Bockhanger Farms Ltd and Reading University, fuelled by the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund.
Join your Talk on the Wild Side host, Rob Smith, for a journey through Marden's farms and gardens - where farmers, scientists, and keen birders are working together to make space for the rare turtle fove.
