In this episode, Patrick Holden speaks to Simon Fairlie, farmer and former co-editor of The Ecologist magazine. The two discuss Simon’s new book, Going to Seed, plus advice on how anyone can get involved in the world of agriculture. Simon advises, “Go  and make connections, plus renting land is a lot cheaper than buying. Younger people come to our farm who are looking for something different in farming generally, and they go onto work at others places and get more accomplished, and perhaps they go and establish their own farm.”

In conversation with Simon Fairlie

Climate friendly farming doesn't just impact the food on our plates. This week's guest, fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, recognises&nbsp;that the fashion industry's huge part to play in reducing waste and&nbsp;the use of toxic chemicals, and sourcing materials in a more sustainable way.&nbsp; Anya explains to Patrick how she was inspired by the closed-loop system that exists in nature to design a compostable leather bag, addressing the difficulties of sourcing regenerative hides, and using methods of production which prevent the leech of chemicals into the soil when the bag&nbsp;comes to the end of its life.&nbsp;  Patrick and Anya discuss&nbsp;the potential of the&nbsp;&nbsp;to translate into&nbsp;clear standards and labelling&nbsp;for customers wishing to shop sustainably - so watch this space!&nbsp;

In Conversation with Anya Hindmarch

Patrick is joined by Dr Michael Antoniou, leading Molecular Geneticist and Head of the Gene Expression and Therapy Group at Kings College London. A must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about the impact genetic modification, gene editing and pesticides are having on our personal and planetary health.

In Conversation with Dr Michael Antoniou

Journalist and broadcaster Dan Saladino joins us for this episode. Dan is best known for his work as a food writer, and for his long-term contribution to the BBC's Food Programme.&nbsp; &nbsp; Dan’s recently published book&nbsp;Eating to Extinction:The World’s Rarest Foods and Why We Need to Save Them, involved 10 years of travel and research, exploring&nbsp;the plight of unique food systems which are threatened and rapidly disappearing. Inspired by&nbsp;’s Ark of Taste,&nbsp;Dan explains&nbsp;the impact of industrialisation on our farming systems and what this means for our food culture. Starting with the Sicilian orange groves of his&nbsp;childhood, the past leads to the present and questions of whether the diversity of our food can be saved, and the need to exert collective pressure on the existing food system and demand food with a better story.

In conversation with Dan Saladino

Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, sits down with Patrick to discuss the challenges facing the world, key among them the impact of agriculture. In a wide ranging conversation, they consider what needs to be done to fix ‘our broken planet’, to borrow a phrase from the museum’s current exhibition looking at ways to repair the world. Gurr aims to inspire people to become advocates for the planet. The discussion – sometimes challenging and contentious – considers the role of the museum in our culture and how it can look forward as much as back. Gurr started as director at the Natural History Museum in 2020. He came from a background in business, notably working for Amazon UK and Amazon China, but has long supported the work of charities such as the British Heart Foundation, the National Gallery, the Science Museum and others, as a board chair or trustee.

In Conversation with Doug Gurr

Arizona Muse is considered an icon in the modelling world and has starred in campaigns for the world’s best-known fashion houses. She is an activist, educator and founded DIRT, a charity that promotes and supports biodynamic farming. Arizona has also spent time as an impact-consultant for brands looking to lower their environmental impact. Muse joins Patrick to discuss her journey from super model to environmental activist and the similar challenges that are currently facing fashion and food. They discuss why biodynamic farming is so relevant today, and how we can all take inspiration from peoples who know their place is within nature rather than beside it.

In Conversation with Arizona Muse

A special edition podcast covering our 2022 Fir Farm Conference: A Roadmap to Sustainable Farming. Find out about more events on

Sustainable Food Trust's Fir Farm Conference Special

This week Patrick is joined by Tim Spector, professor of Genetic Epidemiology, author, and co-founder of personalised microbiome and nutrition analysis company ZOE. They discuss the microbiome of the human gut and its similarities to the microbiome of soil, exploring how farmers might influence the diversity of several microbiomes through their practices, and how legislation might be altered to support microbial diversity. See more of Tim Spector's work via&nbsp;, his&nbsp;&nbsp;and his&nbsp;  Listen to Tim speak on the  &nbsp; More Sustainable Food Trust&nbsp; Support the&nbsp; Follow Sustainable Food Trust on&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;  &nbsp;

In conversation with Tim Spector

Dr Claire Whittle is a&nbsp;farm vet, Nuffield scholar, but&nbsp;above all, a dung beetle enthusiast.&nbsp;&nbsp;  In the UK, there are 60 species of dung beetle, which fall into the categories of 'dwellers', 'stealers'&nbsp;and 'tunnellers'.&nbsp;Each beetle plays a vital part&nbsp;in breaking down dung, improving soil health, suppressing pests, and even&nbsp;reducing greenhouse gas emissions and flood risk.&nbsp;  A recent study showed that many of our dung beetle species are in serious trouble, with almost 50% categorised as&nbsp;scarce or threatened nationally. A key cause of this? Agricultural practices&nbsp;that&nbsp;damage the fragile dung biome.&nbsp;  In the podcast, Claire explains the important role dung beetles can play in&nbsp;preventative care, crucial&nbsp;in a world of ever-increasing drug resistance. She explains how dung beetles are vital to&nbsp;a return to homeostasis and ecological health on farms, and what farmers can do to help these critical critters.&nbsp; &nbsp; Books mentioned in this episode: , by Isabella Tree , by Rosamund Young , by Dave Goulson , by Rachel Carlson &nbsp; Keep up to date with Claire Whittle’s work via , and  &nbsp; More Sustainable Food Trust&nbsp; Support the&nbsp; Follow Sustainable Food Trust on&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp; &nbsp;

In conversation with Claire Whittle

Sebastian Pole is a herbalist, best known for establishing organic tea and supplement brand Pukka herbs. In this episode, Sebastian describes his journey from ‘WWOOF’ (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) volunteer to herbalist, finding inspiration in India after experiencing the healing powers of herbs first hand. He explains the value high quality, organic herbs hold for those who grow them and those who consume them, and why the sale of Pukka to multinational brand Unilever offered a unique opportunity to improve business practice. Find out more about Pukka herbs  or to buy seeds for your own herb garden visit  More Sustainable Food Trust&nbsp; Support the&nbsp; Follow Sustainable Food Trust on&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;or&nbsp;

In conversation with Sebastian Pole

A global voice for the Sustainable Food Movement, founded by Patrick Holden. Discussing the transition to a sustainable food future and true cost accounting.

In Conversation with Doug Gurr

Sustainable Food Trust

Related tracks