Session Highlights from Groundswell 2025
This year’s Groundswell event maintained its reputation for fostering a constructive and forward-looking atmosphere, with strong participation from Member businesses and stakeholders across the agricultural sector. Below is a summary of selected sessions attended by the team, highlighting key themes and discussions shaping the future of farming.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s Address
The Secretary of State reaffirmed the Government’s commitment and outlined updates to the SFI scheme. The reopening of the Capital Grants scheme was also announced, with £150 million allocated for nature-friendly farming investments. While the address did not introduce major policy shifts, updates on SFI engagement, now involving over 39,000 agreements, were noted as encouraging developments.
Inside the Room: Can British Farming Be Saved?
This session examined the challenges currently facing British agriculture. Adjustments to Agricultural Property Relief and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) sparked discussion about the sector’s direction. Speakers including Henry Dimbleby, Justin King and George Eustice explored the role of the Government and the supply chain in supporting both healthy diets and sustainable farming. The discussion was respectful and candid, highlighting the complexity of food system reform and the need for joined-up thinking across policy and practice.
How Many Chemicals Are Too Many?
This panel, featuring Sally-Ann Spence, Rebecca Inman, Andrew Bott, Shaun Dowman and Adam Lockyear, examined the environmental impact of chemical use in farming. The conversation focused on the effects of fertilisers, veterinary medicines and plant protection products on soil and water health, and the importance of habitat connectivity for biodiversity.
While the session largely emphasised concerns about chemical inputs, contributions from Hazel Doonan, AIC's Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy, offered alternative viewpoints, particularly around seed treatments and data interpretation, encouraging a more nuanced dialogue.
Does the Agriculture Input Sector Have a Role in Regenerative Agriculture?
AIC’s own, Vicky Robinson, Head of Sustainability, was instrumental in establishing a panel session that explored the role of the input sector in regenerative agriculture.
Chaired by Kate Russell (Tellus Natural Capital Ltd), the panel also included Dr Lydia Smith (NIAB), Ruth Grice (Long Clawson Dairy), and Heather Oldfield (Limagrain). Together, they examined and offered interesting perspectives on break cropping, nutrient management, advisory services, and the seed trade’s relevance in shaping future farming schemes.
It was a timely and constructive conversation, particularly relevant to farmers, agronomists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders committed to building sustainable food systems.
Beyond the Principles: Agronomic Tips from Farmers and Agronomists
A practical session led by Louise Penn, Ed Brown, Chris Taylor, James Bucher and Benjamin focused on the technical aspects of implementing regenerative agriculture. Topics included reducing inputs, alternative approaches to conventional chemistry, and improving soil microbiology through green and brown amendments.
Speakers highlighted the value of attention to detail on every aspect of crop management and farmers observations on their crops through the season. The trusted relationship between farmers and agronomists was highlighted with joint decision making, key in the regenerative process. Hazel Doonan considered that many of the principles of regenerative farming are integrated pest management and the need for clear communication on this.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Breakfast
The CLA Breakfast was a great way to start the second and final day at Groundswell Agriculture, where Vicky Robinson, joined as a guest speaker. Alongside Alistair Carmichael MP and CLA President Victoria Vyvyan, Vicky shared insights from her career, which combines her passion for farming and the environment, including her work at Natural England, LEAF, and now leading our sustainability work at AIC.
In addition to engaging with Members, stakeholders, and attending sessions, Vicky Robinson and Ed Barker, Head of Policy and External Affairs, recorded an upcoming podcast with Agrii. The discussion offered fresh reflections on key UK and devolved Government policies affecting the agricultural input sectors, stay tuned.
Authors
Vicky Robinson
Vicky Robinson is Head of Sustainability and is responsible for leading and co-ordinating AIC's work on sustainability.
Hazel Doonan
Hazel is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for management and coordination of the Crop Protection Sector.
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.