Reflections on the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2025
The Soil Association played a pivotal role throughout the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2025. They participated in thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The Great Big School Dinner Debate
Kicking off on Wednesday 8th January, our Healthy Ad Sustainable Diets team recreated a school-style meal in a local primary school. It was designed to spark a lively discussion on incorporating local, nature-friendly produce, such as organic fruits and vegetables, into public spaces, like schools and hospitals.
Building robust networks
The Soil Association's policy team hosted a networking event for emerging leaders and sector supporters, fostering collaboration and a shared vision. Additional social events, such as the Soil Association Exchange and gatherings for Soil Association Ambassadors, provided further opportunities for community building.
Soil Association representatives contributed to some of the most critical debates and discussions:
- Helen Browning explored the feasibility of a fossil-free food system, sparking vital conversations on reducing agriculture's carbon footprint.
- Jerry Alford, Senior Farming Advisor, discussed increasing homegrown protein on organic farms - a vital step towards sustainable food systems.
- Sam Packer, from the Standards team, examined how to make organic farming accessible and viable for small-scale producers.
Other key topics included:
- Tackling the issue of ultra-processed foods and their impacts on health and sustainability.
- Integrating agroecology as a solution to environmental challenges.
- Reducing peat use in farming systems and exploring sustainable alternatives.
- Incorporating trees into vegetable production to enhance biodiversity and resilience.
The importance of diversity
I particularly enjoyed my role in a powerful session, Rooting for Diversity (pictured below), which looked at neurodiversity on farms. It was hosted by the justice strand, SALT (Solidarity Across Land Trades). We wanted to raise awareness of the unique traits and strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to land work, celebrating the diverse contributions this brings.
We're all organic ambassadors
These events are not just about innovation. They’re about human connection, meeting like-minded individuals, catching up with old friends, and making new ones. Networking and social events across the city allowed attendees to forge relationships and spark ideas that will drive change long after the conference ends.
When industrial farming faces mounting scrutiny for its environmental and social impacts, the conference offered a hopeful alternative. By championing organic and agroecological practices, it demonstrated how farming can nourish people while healing the planet.
Find out more
A good selection of sessions were livestreamed and recorded. Keep checking ORFC 2025 playlist on YouTube - they're well worth a watch if you weren’t able to attend.
