Andrew Burgess (Chair of the NFU Organic Forum), Christine Watson (Professor at SRUC/ORC Trustee), Ian Wilkinson (Co-founder of FarmED) and Ashley Wheeler (YOFY 2021 award winner and grower) joined a panel discussion chaired by Janet Dwyer (ORC Trustee) at ORC’s 40th anniversary event at FarmED on 30th September.
Focusing on discussing the future of organic farming and priorities for research, the panel discussed two main questions around the rising interest in regenerative agriculture, the “public money for public goods” agenda of ELM, and legislative changes:
(i) what future do you see for organic farming (threats and opportunities)? and
(ii) what are the priorities for ORC and its partners in supporting organic and agroecological approaches through its research and knowledge exchange?
Janet Dwyer, who chaired the panel, said:
“The discussion raised interesting and valued points, rounding off a brilliant day, which not only allowed us to appreciate and celebrate the last 40 years of pioneering organic research led by the ORC, but showcased how it will continue to drive future change based on the organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.”
