How agrifood stakeholders can support European farmers in the regenerative transition

29 June 2023. Europe’s agriculture industry, and the farmers at its heart, are under pressure. The challenges faced by farmers are numerous. From the stresses of climate change, rising energy and input prices, as well as the costs associated with the regenerative transition, to the ever-decreasing number of young farmers entering an industry already stretched for both brains and brawn over the coming decades.

 
In the first of Bayer Crop Science’s ‘Focus on Farmers’ webinar series, farmers discussed the key barriers to sustainable farming. The panel of experts responded with a discussion on how supply chain actors can collaborate to scale solutions to these challenges and support farmers in a just transition to regenerative agriculture.

• The barriers to implementation of sustainable practices, and how value chain actors can support farmers to overcome them.
• How business can help farmers build profitable and resilient livelihoods through regenerative farming.
• The role of agrifood stakeholders, especially retailers and food brands, in increasing awareness and facilitating farmer uptake of regenerative practices.

The panel:

• Jens Hartmann, head of EMEA Region, Bayer Crop Science
• Natalie Smith, head of agriculture, Tesco
• Bram Van Hecke, farmer and president, Groene Kring
• Marie Ellul, well-being & sustainability senior manager, Mondelēz International
• Rob Shepherd, managing partner/chair, Allenford Farms/Environmental Farmers Group
• The webinar was moderated by Toby Webb, founder, Innovation Forum.