Northern Real Farming Conference

Bringing Farmers Together

We are at a crucial point in developing the farming and food systems for the future. As the UK transitions to new post-Brexit frameworks for agriculture, the wider crises of biodiversity loss, ecological breakdown, inequality and social unrest continue.

The Northern Real Farming Conference is a space to dream, to re-think and to share practical experiences of regenerative and socially just ways to farm and bring food to markets and kitchen tables. We focus specifically on the North of England and its unique landscapes and cultures.

The first Northern Real Farming Conference took place on line in October 2020 with 500 participants and the second, on line and in person in Lancaster, in December 2021. Since then we have produced a series of information videos aimed at farmers exploring regenerative approaches and organised gatherings and farm visits, and spent some time developing a strategy for shifting to resilient and regenerative farming systems in the North.

The NRFC is inspired and supported by the long-running Oxford Real Farming Conference. ‘Real Farming’ events explore transformative strategies, theories, approaches, and practical and progressive actions for just and sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Video resources

Many farmers are reinventing their farming by introducing regenerative  techniques into their businesses.

Listen to their stories first hand and find out why they are not only doing it for the planet but also for profits.

Transition

Support a just transition to more regenerative and holistic approaches to farming in the north of England and Scotland

Explore

Explore how farming can support nature recovery

Discuss

Discuss supply chains, distribution and sales in the context of the Real Farming principles.

Showcase

Showcase northern farming successes and challenges, through farm tours, case studies and farm hacks.

Connect

Build northern capacity to contribute to national and international policy and practice development.

Network

Increase information flow, networks and understanding between farmers across the North.

Partners

Sponsors in 2020