The Great School Dinner Debate  

At the start of January, we joined the Soil Association for a vital discussion on a pressing issue in UK food and farming: the future of school food. The Great School Dinner Debate, hosted at St Ebbe’s School in Oxford, brought together a room full of inspirational and influential voices from across the food and farming sectors, to explore this important topic and hear insights from an expert panel. 

Janie, who leads GFO’s OxFarmtoFork programme, and George, from Sandy Lane Farm, were invited as panelists – alongside Chefs in Schools and Love British Food - sharing their invaluable perspectives on shaping a better food system and how our OxFarmToFork platform offers one solution to shortening supply chains, supporting local farmers, and reaching public institutions with healthy, locally grown produce. They also shared the significant challenges surrounding public procurement and the financial barriers that schools and farmers are facing currently.  

We were inspired by the Keynote speaker, Professor Kevin Morgan, who conveyed our thoughts so eloquently: “Access to good food is the litmus test of a society’s commitment to social justice and sustainable development” and we echo Dan from the Soil Association, who summarised that “school food has the power to change the entire food supply chain for the betterment of all involved, for farmers and children, and everyone in-between". At the core of our work is the belief that improved food policies in public institutions – including a strong commitment to local sourcing – can drive meaningful change across the board. Our pilot year of OxFarmToFork has demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits that such initiatives can bring. 

Thank you to the Soil Association for hosting this event, and inviting us onto the panel, we look forward to wider discussions around improving school food. 

Oxford Real Farming Conference  

The following day several members of the GFO team attended sessions at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, and assisted in coordinating local caterers who provided delicious lunches and dinners for the many delegates of the conference. The annual conference brings together so many interesting voices from across the globe to discuss the interconnections of our food and farming systems, and we always leave with renewed energy and determination. 

These were our key takeaways (from the sessions we were able to attend): 

• Agroecology as a holistic, grassroots movement 

Agroecology emphasises farmers' knowledge, social justice, and the interconnectedness of land, food, and people. It rejects hierarchical systems, highlights its roots in the Global South, and calls for the decolonisation of knowledge. Agroecology also addresses issues beyond certification, such as food justice and access to land, distinguishing it from organic or regenerative farming. 

• Decentralisation of the food system 

Building participatory, localised food systems is critical. Local authorities, partnerships, and grassroots initiatives can drive change by creating hubs, fostering short food supply chains, and supporting local farmers. Decentralised and collaborative models, like those in Wales and Paris, demonstrate the potential of micro-farms and shared assets to boost food production and strengthen rural economies. 

• Infrastructure gaps 

The lack of infrastructure—such as abattoirs, mills, and processing facilities—hinders the growth of small-scale farming. Policy reform and financial support are needed to create a level playing field for local food systems. Public procurement, investment in regional hubs, and support for new entrants into farming are seen as pivotal opportunities. 

• Education and social movements 

Training and education are vital to sustaining agroecological practices. Initiatives like the Apricot Centre provide integrated education with therapy for eco-anxiety, emphasising non-violent communication, active learning, and mentorship. Re-rooting agroecology as a social movement ensures alignment with its political and social responsibilities, preventing co-option by corporate or governmental interests. 

• Intersection of food, health and environment  

Industrial farming and the overuse of pesticides, and the rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods have had profound impacts on human health and ecosystems. There’s a growing need to advocate for organic and ecological farming practices to mitigate these effects. Public awareness and policy change are essential to align food systems with health, sustainability, and resilience goals.