MPs gather in parliament to explore the power of agroecology and nature-friendly farming

The event, organised by Sustain, the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), the Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA), and the Real Farming Trust, the ‘Taste of Agroecology’ event gave parliamentarians—many of whom are newly elected—an opportunity to sample sustainable produce sourced from across the UK, including cheeses, chutneys, charcuterie and cider. They also viewed an exhibition exploring the 10 core principles of agroecology, illustrating how these approaches work in harmony with nature rather than against it.

Farmers, landworkers and representatives from leading environmental organisations were on hand to speak with MPs, ensuring political decision-makers heard directly from those implementing nature-friendly approaches on the ground. The conversations highlighted how agroecological practices can promote biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, support resilient local food economies, and strengthen the UK’s long-term food security.

Jenna Hegarty, Head of Policy at the NFFN, said:

“We want to inform and inspire the new intake of MPs, demonstrating how nature-friendly farming can help address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Across the UK, farmers are already showing that agroecological practices boost biodiversity, cut carbon, ensure viable farm businesses, and protect future food supplies. We hope MPs left with ‘food for thought,’ ready to become champions for the support that nature-friendly farming urgently needs.”

The event was also supported by the Soil Association, the Woodland Trust and Pasture for Life. 

Robert Fraser, farmer and executive director of the Real Farming Trust, said:

“Farmers are feeling disenfranchised. Their social contract with the government to transition to nature-friendly, agroecological practices is under severe stress, if not broken. 

“I hope this event showed what is possible and allowed MPs and Peers to talk to farmers about their work and understand what is needed to create a fair and workable system that delivers good food and nature recovery on farms across the UK.”

Will White, Sustainable Farming Coordinator at Sustain, said:

This event offered a powerful opportunity for MPs to see—and taste—what’s possible when farmers embrace agroecological principles. It was an inspiring snapshot of the possitive outcomes we could achieve for people and planet if the right policies are introduced to further support and proliferate these kind of agroecological farming systems