The Women in Agriculture conference was a particular highlight, bringing together inspiring leaders who are breaking new ground in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. It was energising to hear their stories, to reflect on the progress being made, and to acknowledge the work still needed to ensure more women are represented at senior levels.
“Hearing directly from women leading the way in agriculture was incredibly motivating. Their impact is shaping the future of the sector, and it’s our responsibility to ensure leadership pipelines reflect that change.” Dani Walker, Associate Director, Agribusiness
At Groundswell, the focus shifted towards regenerative agriculture and the innovative practices being adopted to build resilience for farms and the environment alike. Despite the rain, the enthusiasm and optimism among attendees were clear. Discussions on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon capture underlined how critical collaboration and long-term thinking will be in ensuring farming businesses thrive in a changing landscape.
“Groundswell reminded us how much innovation is happening on the ground already. The challenge now is finding the leaders who can embed regenerative thinking across the wider industry.” David Macaulay, Managing Director
The Fresh Produce Journal’s Festival of Fresh brought together growers, retailers, and innovators to discuss the evolving fresh food landscape. Two key messages stood out for Morten included:
- Whole-crop utilisation – Graham Young highlighted the need to find profitable markets for every part of the crop, rather than adhering to retail standards that promote the “perfect” apple or carrot. Unlocking this value across the supply chain is essential for both sustainability and profitability.
- Food security as a priority – Tom Bradshaw drew a powerful comparison between defence spending and farming, reminding us that food security deserves equal attention if we are to ensure long-term resilience. Supporting UK farmers is critical—not only for economics, but for the nation’s future stability.
“The message was clear: supporting UK farmers must be viewed as a national priority, not just a commercial one.” Morten Andresen, Director- Fresh Food
These events were great opportunities to connect, reflect, and learn. For Eden, they reaffirmed why we do what we do: helping organisations in food and farming find the leaders who will tackle these challenges head-on. Whether it’s building more diverse boards, embedding regenerative practices, or safeguarding our food supply, the right people will make the difference.
We’re looking forward to attending more industry events in the Autumn and hope to see familiar and new contacts to Eden there.