The Oxford Real Farming Conference

We were really pleased to be invited to attend the Oxford Real Farm Conference earlier this year.

It was two very busy days, lots of interesting conversations, and a very hungry crowd (our favourite kind).

A Quick Bit About ORFC

If you haven’t come across it before, the Oxford Real Farming Conference - convened by Good Food Oxfordshire - brings together farmers, growers, activists, researchers and policymakers every January to talk about how we can improve the way food is grown and distributed.

It started in 2010 as an alternative to the more traditional farming conference happening at the same time in Oxford. The idea was to create space for practical farmers (“mud-on-the-boots” types), alongside scientists, economists and campaigners — all asking the big questions about what farming should look like now and in the future.

The programme covers everything from regenerative agriculture and agro-ecology to land access, food policy and justice. It’s thoughtful, practical and collaborative. Around 1,800 people take over Oxford city centre for a few days — and the atmosphere is open, engaged and refreshingly down to earth.

Why It Matters to Us

Good local food is what we’re passionate about. Not just food that tastes good (although that’s obviously important), but food that comes from good farming and growing practices.

The way ingredients are produced matters — to the soil, to biodiversity, to farmers, and to communities. ORFC is full of people actively working on those questions, not just talking about them.

Being there reminded us why we care so much about sourcing thoughtfully and cooking seasonally. It all starts with how the food is grown.

What We Served

We kept things simple and hearty:

• Seasonal salads

• Frittata

• Spanakopita

• Sausage rolls

• Cake

We sold out both days — which is always the best sign. Thank you to everyone who ate with us :)

A Really Good Crowd

What made it special was the people. So many genuinely thoughtful, switched-on, food-loving humans who care about how food is produced and who it serves.

There were brilliant speakers, practical sessions on farming techniques, big-picture conversations about policy and justice, youth-led discussions, and plenty of time for people to connect properly.

Thank You

Thanks to everyone who stopped by for lunch, grabbed a slice of cake, or had a chat with us. And to the organisers and fellow food traders — it was great to be alongside you.

Same time next January?