Five themes shaping the future of farming

21/01/25

Author: Philip Gibson

5 minutes read

January marks a fresh start - a chance to pause, reflect and map out the year ahead. For the Twig team, it kicked off with a trip to the Oxford Farming Conference, where this year’s theme, “Facing Change, Finding Opportunity,” set the tone for an inspiring, thought-provoking few days. Here’s what we took from the event…

1. Innovation will lead us forward

What if farming’s future involved insects buzzing their way into global protein solutions, or sheep grazing their way to solving microplastic pollution? Those aren’t theories, they’re tangible ideas. One standout was Thomas Farrugia, who shared the potential of tweaking insect genetics to supercharge sustainable protein production for animal feed. These tiny bugs could play a massive part in feeding the planet sustainably. And then there was Kate Drury, connecting the dots between British wool and microplastics, with sustainable rope production offering a win-win solution for the environment and local economies.

Yet, innovation isn’t always about cutting-edge tech. Sometimes, it’s about a shift in mindset. Ian Marshall reminded us that farmers aren’t just food producers, they’re environmental custodians. What if their expertise extended to decarbonising our planet while feeding it? It’s an exciting challenge, and his call to reimagine the role of farming in society left us inspired.

2. Collaboration – the magic ingredient

One takeaway resonated above all else - collaboration isn’t just valuable, it’s indispensable. Across speeches, panels and even casual conversations, the message was simple yet profound: no one can tackle agriculture’s challenges alone.

Take Denmark's bold example. Lisbeth Henricksen revealed how their “green tripartite agreement” saw government, farmers and businesses join forces toward shared climate goals. Carbon taxes on livestock and tree-planting initiatives could have divided them, but instead, they united. Her advice? Stop asking, “Who’s paying for change?” and start asking, “How can I lead it?”

It’s a perspective echoing far beyond borders. Real change takes not just commitment but connection. And whether it’s a small farming community or an entire nation, collaboration is vital.

3. It starts with farmers

The heartbeat of the conference was clear - none of this works without farmers at the centre. Not as an afterthought, but as the starting point. Farmers don’t just grow food; they innovate, adapt and lead. They’re problem-solvers and risk-takers, uniquely positioned to transform food systems.

The Secretary of State made an important point - while farming is a powerful business, it's also the foundation of sustainability on both a local and global scale (although we fear this wisdom may have fallen on deaf ears given the recent IHT changes announced by the Government, and the apparent lack of willingness to listen to farmer concerns!).

And Dr Muragan underscored this from across the world, showing how farmer education and innovation in India has lifted millions out of poverty. It’s proof that when we invest in farmers, we invest in thriving communities.

4. Nature is non-negotiable

There’s no food without nature, and there’s no future without both. This truth echoed in many session, from WWF’s insights to stories of farmers adopting regenerative practices. These pioneers shared journeys of moving away from high-risk, input-heavy systems to nature-led, sustainable approaches. The result? Healthier soils, stable yields and resilience to climate impacts; all with far fewer costly inputs.

And innovation can draw from the past as much as the future. JCB’s work on hydrogen engines was inspired by the sustainable fuel (hay) driving the horsepower of old - literal horsepower. It’s a reminder that solutions aren’t always about what’s next. Sometimes, they’re inspired by what’s been.

5. Re-think food security

This theme wasn’t just a talking point, it was a wake-up call. Anna Taylor unveiled the harsh reality of food insecurity in a country like the UK, one of the wealthiest in the world but where we still have 7,000 active food banks. And Dominic Watters (pictured above) brought those struggles to life in a deeply personal way, sharing his experiences as a single dad in an urban estate where access to fresh, nutritious food feels like an elusive luxury. His plea to government, farmers and food businesses was simple but profound: think beyond “the consumer” and understand the real lives behind these labels when thinking about system change.

But this wasn’t just about identifying the problem, it was a call to action. Gaia Vince widened the lens, showing us that food security isn’t just a national issue, it’s a planetary one. Decisions in farming ripple across ecosystems, economies and lives. Nutrition, agriculture and the environment aren’t separate silos - they’re interconnected. When we act without that understanding, the whole system frays.

A hopeful note...

Amid all the talk of collaboration, just a stone’s throw away from the Oxford Farming Conference, another farming event was happening – the Oxford Real Farming Conference. Both events tackle similar issues, albeit coming from a different perspective, and this year saw the first sign of real collaboration between the events - a joint meal on day 1. That’s progress, but imagine the possibilities if these minds came together in the same room.

Change is never easy, but we’re closer than we think. From game-changing innovations to inspiring stories, the OFC showed us that the future of farming is brighter, greener and more inclusive than we ever imagined. It begins right now, with everyone willing to think differently, act boldly, and face change head-on.

What’s next for farming? That’s up to all of us. If you're ready, we're ready.

Image credits: Oxford Farming Conference.