Since the launch of the Sustainable Food Trust’s Beacon Farms Network last July, we have seen a very positive response to the project, with over 40 farms already signed up as members. This year’s event at Holden Farm Dairy will provide an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
The theme of the gathering will be ‘Producing Healthy Food in Harmony with Nature’. The weekend will bring together members of the Beacon Farms Network, educators, health professionals, food businesses, policymakers and young people, to explore three questions:
- What does it mean to produce healthy food in harmony with nature?
- What are the connections between farming practice, food quality and human health?
- How can Beacon Farms best communicate these messages to the public?
The programme will include workshops, panel discussions and experiential farm walks, with locally sourced food and live music.
Themes include:
- Financing Beacon Farms
- Connecting Farms and Schools
- Measuring Farm Sustainability
- Food Practice, Food Quality and Human Health
- It’s not the Cow but the How
- Land, Food and Spirit
Accommodation:
We have limited accommodation at the farm, including a small number of rooms and camping facilities and for those who need it, we can provide a list of local B&Bs and hotels.
Tickets:
Regarding costs, we are hoping to demonstrate that events of this kind can provide a source of income for Beacon Farms. Accordingly, we hope that participants will make a contribution of £200 per adult. However, as on previous occasions, we do not want the cost of participation to be a barrier to attendance, so we have a number of concessionary and sponsored places. If you would like to sponsor a place, you can purchase a ‘supporters’ ticket’, which includes a £50 donation towards a sponsored place. Please note that ticket price VAT can be reclaimed if you are business registered.
