We know that on farm demonstration and the communication of farmers’ experience has a unique role in improving food system resilience by scaling up more sustainable agricultural practice. By working together as a network of networks across sectors and UK nations, there is a huge opportunity to be more than the sum of our parts. The Sustainable Farm Networks (SFN) initiative has been brought about to support this vision. By working with Network Stewards - the individuals with the most direct and consistent contact with demonstration farms- we will identify and facilitate opportunities for mutual support, collaboration and cooperation to enhance the experience and impact of the farmers they are working with. The SFN is a free to join, pre-competitive, system agnostic forum.

Working with existing knowledge exchange platforms to amplify successes and highlight challenges, the SFN will be shaped by members with the support of a steering group representative of supply chain pioneers, farmers, land-based training providers, research project groupings and environmental certification organisations. Together they have helped us develop a Terms of Reference which lays out the aims, purpose offer and ask of joining networks.

We are inviting demonstration farm networks (three or more holdings coordinating activities to implement in common sustainable farming practices, principles or technologies with the intention of disseminating the resulting collated findings, experiences or information) to be part of the SFN. Get started by filling in your contact and network information - scan the QR code to view the form: 

The first event will be a Network Stewards Group meeting online between 10 and 12 on the morning of Thursday October 17^th and we would greatly value the input of as wide range of demo farm networks to it as possible. 

Benefits of the Sustainable Farm Networks

For networks: Participating networks can expect improved knowledge exchange opportunities; connected and upskilled facilitators; PR and funding opportunities; a quicker transition towards integrated sustainability based on up-to-date information; and stronger industry and policy influence.

For farmers: Participating farmers will build useful connections with other networks and farms; will have easier access to better advice; can take part in benchmarking and marketing opportunities; should see improved business resilience; and will get opportunities to have their say on policy input.

For the industry: Industry partners will be assisted in meeting operational and sustainability KPIs; will see communication channels streamlined; benefit from upskilling and expanded knowledge exchange within and across supply chains; and see sustainability metrics integrated and harmonised.

For policy makers: Policy makers will be informed through demonstration of leading, up to date research and innovation in development of future policy aligning to the delivery of strategic government priorities.

Over 2024, we will be reaching out to demonstration farm networks – putting into action the plans in place so far and honing them: to fit the industry, to fit the sector, to fit the supply chains, to fit the individuals, to fit the farmers and the networks that get involved.

The SFN is now recruiting for members. If you run, facilitate, coordinate or are part of a demonstration farm network of any type, scale or sector, please do get in touch with LBates@harper-adams.ac.uk for more information.