21 February to 1 March 2026
To mark Real Bread Week with support from the Organic Research Centre, UK Grain Lab, The Real Bread Campaign and Better Food Traders are launching the Baking a better tomorrow booklet. This publication shines a light on the people transforming the grain economy: the ‘Grain Changers’.
Because the story of the real bread does not start at the bakery. It starts in the field. Across the country, groups of pioneering seed producers, farmers, millers, bakers and traders are collectively reimagining our food system. They choose to respect the seeds, the soil, the flavours of the flour, the quality of the bread, and the people who work all along the supply chain.
The Organic Research Centre has a long pioneering history of exploring alternative seeds, grains and crops. Our work focuses on broadening, optimising varietal choice for organic farmers and diversifying plant breeding strategies including the use of genetically heterogeneous crops. Through project like LiveSeeding, ORC supports breeding, testing and marketing of seeds adapted to organic farming across Europe.
This week marks the “annual international celebration of real bread and the people behind its rises” led by the Real Bread Campaign. But what exactly is real bread? Unlike most loaves sold in the UK today, real bread is made without chemical raising agents or additives. In its simplest form, it is only flour, salt and water. This week is the time to celebrate these bakers: learn more about real bread, buy real bread from local independent bakeries or bake it yourself!
