The first workshop day was held at Romshed Farm in Sevenoaks and co-hosted by the inspirational Fidelity Weston, centring on the theme of Cultivating Connection. Getting out onto a certified Soil Association and Pasture for Life farm was key to the day, cultivating connections between organisations across the alliance, connections between individuals working on different areas of the food systems, and ultimately connecting people who often work remotely to the land.
Alongside the beautiful farm tour, storytelling became a highlight of the day, with participants sharing their greatest inspirations and challenges within their work life, fostering an atmosphere of vulnerability and support.
Day two - ‘Practice & Possibility’ - brought the group to the wonderful Camley Street Natural Park, run by the London Wildlife Trusts. Although on the doorstep of King’s Cross Station, this two acre nature haven was the perfect backdrop for a range of impactful debates, robust conversations and an inspirational ‘ask and offer’ session.
The insights, ideas and conversations from these two days will feed directly into the upcoming messaging resource coming out in August 2025. Producers should be a central part of discussions around dietary shifts in the UK and this was a fantastic opportunity to better connect and converse on issues that affect so many of us in different ways. It also provided a template for the Eating Better team to work more effectively across a range of different views.
A huge thank you to Future Narratives Lab for helping to design the workshop programme, AFN Network+ and TILT Collective for funding the event, Fidelity for hosting us at her home and farm (and for the delicious meal), and to all of the participants that took part in this two-day venture.
We’re excited to host a webinar on 7th August, 11-12 am, where you can hear insights from the sessions alongside the launch of our new producer messaging guide. Sign up here!
