The second Fields Good festival — held in early September — showed just how quickly the movement for regenerative farming is gaining momentum in Northern Ireland. Following on from its successful debut in 2024, this year’s event once again brought together farmers, growers, researchers and policy advocates for a day of practical demonstrations, expert talks, and hands-on workshops.
Soil health was at the heart of the programme. From digging into inspection pits to agroforestry consultations and the soil health HQ tent, visitors explored how better soil management underpins resilient farming systems. International voices added inspiration, while local farmers shared grounded, practical examples of what regenerative practices look like in action.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing themselves as “inspired” and “empowered” to try new practices. Farmers emphasised that investing in soil health isn’t just good for the environment — it makes sound economic sense.
Dr Alice Gilmour, Food System Analysis Researcher, with the ECI’s Food Systems Transformation Programme, presented at the event. She said: “I shared the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework, which gives users a joint language and shared understanding of what constitutes the food system, and introduced our draft Food Co-Centre Sustainability Compass, designed to reveal unintended consequences or ‘hidden costs’ of food system interventions. Our panel discussed the systemic barriers blocking change, but also what gives us hope. A key theme was the importance of systemic change rather than focusing solely on individual behavioural change.”
With two strong years behind it, Fields Good, held at The Sheddings in Glenarm, is fast becoming a flagship gathering for regenerative farming in Northern Ireland. Attendees left not only with new ideas and tools, but with strengthened networks and renewed motivation to shape a more resilient agricultural future.
