Yesterday was a big day for Jemima Sellwood, Funded Programmes Manager at the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Her long-held dream to give farmers the support they need to transition to organic farming was realised, working with the Soil Association to launch the Organic Transition Programme for farmers in the North Wessex Downs and Wiltshire.
Launch day
The day was hosted by organic farmer and Soil Association Chief Executive Helen Browning on her farm on the edge of the North Wessex Downs. An engaged group of local farmers heard about the potential for success with organic farming from Ocado, Doves Farm, the Soil Association, and the Organic Livestock Marketing Co-operative. This was followed by a delicious and of course organic lunch, and a walk to learn about the farm whilst enjoying the stunning views.
Photo: Jerry Alford from the Soil Association explaining the organic accreditation process
Organic farming and climate change
Jemima said:
“Over the last two years I have seen climate change in a way I never have before, crops failing through drought and water logging, animals without enough food, fertiliser prices soaring etc – there are so many promoted solutions, however for me the answer was simple as it is to quite a few farmers – build organic matter in your soil to hold and store more water, stop buying in inputs, start taking care of wildlife and start treating your farm as one whole system.”
Jemima had asked farmers why they didn’t change their systems and farm organically, they responded “I don’t know how, markets aren’t there, it won’t work on my farm, I won’t make any money.”
Photo: Helen Browning (centre) shows Jemima Sellwood (right) and event attendees around her organic farm
Supporting organic farmers
Farming in Protected Landscapes had previously funded a programme with Pasture for life, building a peer-to-peer support system for farmers to share knowledge. The next stage was to commission research from the Organic Research Centre to see if filling the knowledge gap and promoting the benefits of organic systems could indeed help farmers in the North Wessex Downs and Wiltshire. This research helped to bring the Soil Association on board, who have taken on the Organic Transition Programme. They are looking for eight to ten farmers to come together to make the transition. The programme offers expert advice on creating a successful organic business, the conversion process and most importantly peer-to-peer mentorship from similar farmers who have already made the transition. In addition, the programme will build local markets and link with local businesses to help boost local demand and allow farmers to access the market.
Look out for more news soon as the programme develops, or contact Kate Still at the Soil Association if you’d like to find out more or get involved.
Research completed by the Organic Research Centre
