Welcome to another episode of Agronomy Matters! In this edition, our host, Thomas Vaughan, Environment Manager for BASIS, takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of regenerative agriculture, shining a spotlight on the recently launched and crowd-funded film, "Six Inches of Soil." This insightful discussion features key figures from the film, including the producer, Claire Mackenzie, and one of its leading stars.
"Six Inches of Soil" unfolds an inspiring narrative that showcases the efforts of British farmers, communities, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of transforming our food production and consumption. The film explores agroecology, an approach embracing regenerative farming techniques harmonising with nature, and emphasises local food systems with shorter supply chains. The extensive benefits range from understanding food sources to ensuring fair prices for farmers and the production of healthy food in a sustainable environment.
This cinematic journey follows the inaugural year of regenerative farming for three new farmers—Anna Jackson, Adrienne Gordon, and Ben Thomas. As they work towards healing the soil, enhancing community provisions, and developing viable businesses, seasoned mentors and experts join them in this transformative experience. The film addresses complex issues, from the connections between food and health to questions of affordability, animal roles in farming, land ownership disparities, barriers faced by new entrant farmers, and even the ongoing debate on carbon offsetting in agriculture.
Presented with hard-hitting facts, the film provides an authentic glimpse into agroecological farming, capturing the essence of a deep connection with the land, the changing seasons, and the production of food for local communities.
Our discussion delves into how our guests got to where they are today and the challenges they faced along the way. Our first guest is Claire Mackenzie, the producer of "Six Inches of Soil," whose background spans TV production, charity fundraising, and event organising. Also joining the conversation is Ben Thomas, a livestock farmer from Cornwall, who carries out various techniques from mob grazing to agroforestry in order to improve soil health and biodiversity.
Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation as the layers of "Six Inches of Soil" are uncovered, and the profound impact of regenerative agriculture on our food systems and environment is explored. Welcome to Agronomy Matters!