The full day programme will include three panel discussions, two workshops, live demonstrations, and exhibition stands from leading international soil health experts, experienced arable and livestock farmers, and diversified food businesses across the UK and Channel Islands.
The speaking sessions and technical demonstrations will take place from 11am to 6pm on Friday, September 29th.
From 6 to 10pm, there will be a social gathering featuring local beer, cider and wine, good food crafted by SCOOP, and live music.
11.00 - 11.30 Welcome & Opening Remarks (Gathering Tent)
Alan Le Maistre (Le Tâcheron Farm), John Vautier (Rural & Marine Lead GOJ), Elle Vercoe-Gibson (LEAF Marque Certification Manager)
11.30 - 12.30 Panel 1 (Gathering Tent)
“Cultivating Success: Exploring Business Opportunities, Practical Insights, and Market Pathways for Small-Scale Meat and Vegetable Farmers"
Sam Pycroft (Alderney Roots), Sasha Marsh (Soil Farm), Mike Duxbury (Inclusive Farm), Ollie Griggs (The Lomah), and Moderated by Taylor Smythe (HYPHA Consulting)
12.45 - 13.45 Panel 2 (Gathering Tent)
"Funding the Future of Agriculture: Enabling Rural Development, Livelihoods, and Ecological Restoration in Landscapes"
Lucy Filby (South of Scotland Enterprise), David Wolfe (Wakelyns), Jo Leigh (The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), and Moderated by India Hamilton (PhD Researcher and HYPHA Consulting)
13.45 - 14:15 Live Demonstration (Field)
“Cutting Edge: The Craft of Sheep Shearing"
Rachel Stratton (Shearer and Farm Consultant)
14.05 - 14.50 Workshop 1 (Gathering Tent)
"Exploring the Intersection between Farming, Culinary Sustainability and Public Health: Crafting Menus with Local Flavours"
Chef Tom Hunt (Author Eating for People, Pleasure and Planet, The Guardian, POCO restaurant , and The UN SDG2 Chef’s Manifesto), Rob Marr (Jersey Government Public Health), Dr. Jo Darwood (GP and Inspired Life coach), Martin Knight (Senior Public Health Manager States of Jersey)
15.00 - 15.55 Panel 3 (Gathering Tent)
“Nurturing Innovation: Farm Diversification and Business Growth in the Lake District"
Martin Gott (St James cheese), Maria Benjamin (Dodgson Wood, Lake District Tweed, The Wool Library), John Atkinson (Nibthwaite Grange Farm and Rare Breeds Survival Trust), and Moderated by Taylor Smythe (HYPHA Consulting)
16.00 - 16.50 Workshop 2 (Le Tâcheron Test Field)
"Digging Deeper with Soilmentor: Unveiling Soil Health from Ground to App"
Annie Landless (Soilmentor), Professor John Crawford (University of Glasgow), Tom Fairfax (Mindrum Estate), Rachel Stratton (Sheep Shearer)
17.10 - 18.00 Keynote Speakers (Gathering Tent)
"Harvesting Legacy and Sustainability: 30 Years of Pipers Farm - A Journey Through Grasslands, Family Values, and Biodiversity"
Peter Grieg (Pipers Farm), Henrietta Grieg (Pipers Farm)
18.00 - 22.00 Food, Drinks & Live Music (La Grand' Tchéthue bar)
Enjoy a social evening with local beer, cider and wine, good food crafted by SCOOP, and live music featuring performances from Ella Morgan, Giles Robson and Band, and DJ Chris Wackrow