SFT Podcast: Food security, food sovereignty and self-sufficiency in times of conflict

What’s really going on in food and farming? Two farmers – Patrick Holden, founder of the Sustainable Food Trust, and Stuart Oates, founder of the Fossil Free Farm project – get behind the headlines to unpack the biggest stories shaping what we eat, how we farm and the future of the planet. Expect lively debate, real-world experience, and unique insights from some of food and farming’s top voices.

In this episode of the SFT Podcast we’re talking about food security – as the war in Iran shows no sign of easing, with thousands of casualties and many people displaced from their homes, we discuss the impact of the conflict in terms of food security in the Middle East, as well as how agriculture is often weaponised in times of conflict.

We also reflect on how the conflict has impacted food security in the UK, and what steps could be taken to ensure the country is more food secure and our farming sector is more resilient in the face of local and global shocks.

This week, Patrick and Stuart are also joined by Megan Perry, the SFT’s Head of Policy & Campaigns. Megan has a degree in international politics and has been working with the SFT for 12 years, heading up our work the UK’s small abattoir sector. Alongside her experience at the SFT, Megan has also spent time visiting and supporting organisations and individuals working in the agriculture sector in places like Palestine and Lebanon who have been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict.

To join in the conversation, get in touch with us at info@sustainablefoodtrust.org or send us a message via any of our social media channels.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Feeding Britain report: https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/our-work/feeding-britain/
• Food sovereignty report: https://www.arab-reform.net/publication/pathways-towards-food-sovereignty-in-lebanon/?tztc=1
• Tim Lang: UK must stockpile food in readiness for climate shocks or war: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/07/uk-stockpile-food-climate-shocks-war

Follow Patrick and the Sustainable Food Trust:

https://www.instagram.com/susfoodtrust/ | https://www.instagram.com/hafodcheese/

https://bsky.app/profile/susfoodtrust.bsky.social

https://www.facebook.com/SusFoodTrust

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-food-trust/

Find out more about Stuart and the Fossil Free Farm project:

https://fossilfreefarm.com/

https://www.instagram.com/camelstu/

https://www.youtube.com/@farmerstu

To listen to more SFT podcasts, featuring some of the biggest names in regenerative food and farming, head to our main podcast page.