The launch of Tregooden Farm near Bodmin in Cornwall as an Agroecology at Scale Demo Farm will complete the quintet of demonstration farms that the Soil Association pledged to initially establish when it announced its Farm to Fork partnership with Ocado Retail in May.

The Agroecology at Scale Programme aims to 'significantly help' to accelerate the adoption of circular 'whole farm' systems that benefit nature, animal welfare, soil health and climate resilience. The demonstration farms serve to showcase agroecological farming practices that work practically and economically for farmers across a wide range of farming sectors.
 

Soil Association Head of Farming Kate Still said: "We are delighted to have signed up our fifth demo farm and look forward to building the programme of farmer to farmer learning with Malcolm and Catherine. Tregooden Farm is a fantastic example of a resilient, progressive mixed farm and has been pioneering many agroecological practices both independently and with our Innovative Farmers and the Farm Net Zero Farm programme, as well as Duchy Farms, so they have plenty of experience of innovating and leading skills-learning workshops.

"This provides a strong foundation to our Agroecology at Scale Demo Farm programme providing five key farms which are well positioned to act as learning hubs for farmers from all backgrounds to accelerate the learning and adoption of agroecological practices for the next three years."

Farm walk
Tregooden Farm is a 300-acre mixed arable and beef farm run by Malcolm and Catherine Barrett where they have been practicing a wide range of agroecological practices for four years.

Farmers are invited to attend Tregooden for a farm walk where Malcolm and Catherine will share some of their experiences establishing and managing arable and maize crops on a min-till system, holistic grazing practices, cover cropping, tree planting, ponds and scapes, as well as planting a seven-way mix in the cover crops. It will also be a great opportunity to become part of a network of likeminded farmers. We will be sharing practical resources and hosting further events over the coming months on agroecological farming practices.

Catherine Barrett said: "We both came from farming backgrounds. Malcolm was previously in a family partnership with his dad and brother on another Duchy Farm until four years ago when Malcolm got his own tenancy at a new Duchy farm. We were keen to explore regenerative farming practices and have been able to implement several changes from traditional farming to a more regenerative approach on our new farm. We run the 300-acre livestock and arable farm with 150 cattle and grow winter and spring barley, maize and fodder beet.

"It has been a fantastic start on our regenerative journey and we are particularly enjoying building our networks and sharing ideas. That is what it is all about and the farm walk will be a great opportunity to meet and talk to other farmers on a similar journey or considering adopting agroecological practices on their farm.

"Every farm environment is different, so it is great to pool knowledge and ideas but then you adapt and innovate to suit your specific circumstance, soil type, environment and climate."

The initial five demo farms in the programme are each focusing on different aspects of farming - from dairy, beef and sheep to orchard fruit and arable crops. Each will host training sessions for farmers and students, sharing technical expertise and support on a range of agricultural practices.

Demo farms case studies

Tregooden Farm joins the four others in the ground-breaking programme:

• Godminster Organic Dairy, Somerset is a 1,200-acre mixed organic dairy farm with over 300 cows split between spring and autumn calving blocks. Managed by Peter Cheek since 1998, the farm was halfway through its organic conversion. Today, it produces organic milk, own-brand Godminster cheddar cheese and winter oats grown for milling. Owner Richard Hollingbery was adamant he wanted an organic set up driven by a desire for sustainability and sense of environmental responsibility.
• Boxford Fruit Farms, Suffolk is a 580-acre large-scale fruit producer managed by farm director Robert England growing apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and asparagus. It is a conventional fruit grower, but in the interest of sustainability and business efficiency, they manage their crops with minimal inputs.
• Broome Park Farm, Northumberland is a 1,532-acre upland beef and sheep farm that has gradually transitioned from traditional farming methods towards agroecological practices. This shift, led by young farm manager George Burrell, is aimed at building resilience both economically and environmentally. The farm now outwinters livestock on herbal leys and has significantly reduced its inputs. 
• Field Hall Farm, Uttoxeter is a 1,160-acre mixed arable and beef. Farm Manager Rob Atkin produces the main combinable crops using a conventional low-impact system, while also managing a herd of 320 beef cattle on low-input grass. His focus is on doing what's best for the environment and his business, aiming to improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity, while stacking payment options to maximise profits.

Farm to Fork

The demo farms are part of a wider partnership between Ocado and Soil Association which has been established to help transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world.

The partnership is also supporting research to advance farm animal welfare, working closely with farmers to enhance positive animal welfare and demonstrate how giving farmed animals a good life is practical, profitable, and sustainable. Alongside the work on the ground Ocado and Soil Association are also building a 'Farm to Fork Ambassadors programme' - encouraging people providing healthy and sustainable food to share their stories and experiences with others in the industry.

Farmers are welcome to attend the open afternoon event at Tregooden Farm, Bodmin, Cornwall on 10^th October. The event is free to just book your ticket here: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/demonstrating-agroecology-at-scale-farm-walk-at-tregooden-farm-registration-1015981256287