Courteenhall Estate, a model of regenerative farming nestled in the rolling countryside of South Northamptonshire, provided a stunning backdrop for Love British Food’s tenth on-farm training day. The Estate’s rich heritage is married to a compelling story of innovation, stewardship and sustainability which perfectly aligned with the purpose of the visit – to connect changemakers across the public sector with the people and places behind the food they serve. The training day brought together over 20 professionals working across schools, hospitals, universities, care homes, local authorities and the supply chain. All united by the shared goal of putting more British produce on the menu in public sector settings. From the outset, the day cultivated open conversation, collaborative thinking, and a renewed sense of purpose for everyone present. A thriving example of sustainable British farming Hosted by Dr Johnny Wake, British Farming Awards’ Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2024, the event offered attendees a first-hand view of nature-friendly farming in action. Johnny, returned to run the 350-year-old family estate after a career in medicine. Bring his expert insight on health and applying it to how food is produced in the healthiest way while benefiting the environment. Over more than a decade, he has transformed Courteenhall into a shining example of regenerative agriculture. Under his guidance, the Estate has diversified from traditional arable to a mixed farm that has introduced combinable crops such as cereals, oilseeds and pulses as part of the rotation to build soil health. Livestock have been reintroduced including the heritage breed of Hereford cattle. This hardy herd are Reared to Pasture for Life standards by grazing the ancient parkland throughout the year. This benefits biodiversity, sequesters carbon, supports human health and animal welfare. The landscape itself told a story – lush wildflower strips including rare orchids, cover crops, and vibrant hedgerows served to evidence of the farm’s commitment to biodiversity, carbon capture, and soil health. Visitors saw sustainability in action; as an operational ethos rooted in both legacy and future-thinking. Connecting sectors, sharing solutions Love British Food’s changemaker events are never passive learning days – they are spaces for people working in public sector catering to forge connections, share challenges, and co-create solutions. Over a lunch of seasonal British produce, delegates engaged in practical discussions around procurement barriers, seasonal menu planning, and leveraging local supply chains. Examples shared on the day illustrated what success looks like in action: Nottingham County Council’s County Enterprise Foods radically restructured its supply chain to source 100% fresh local produce Milton Keynes University Hospital reported cost savings through working with a local butcher An NHS Trust restructured its tendering process to accommodate a regional dairy supplier NHS caterer reported move from per-patient budgets to fortnightly budgets to deliver savings Schools using regional wholesalers for fresh vegetables and meat Local dairy farm supplied ice cream to hospital, improving nutritional value North Shropshire hospital sourcing beef from a local farm and putting it on their menu once a month These stories demonstrated how policy shifts, procurement language, and courageous leadership can unlock opportunities for British producers. As one attendee put it, “Today has shown how much positive impact you can have through small but meaningful changes. Shouting about what you’re already doing, telling the story – it becomes part of your customer experience.” The power of networks With Courteenhall marking the tenth farm visit, Love British Food’s training programme has now created a nationwide network of over 200 changemakers. These are individuals return to their institutions empowered and equipped to push for incremental but impactful shifts in sourcing policy. Founder Alexia Robinson described the importance of this network: “Each of our changemakers leaves with a deeper understanding of how the food we eat is produced, and why that matters for sustainability, nutrition, and local economies. Their collective impact is immense – British food becomes not just a procurement choice, but a values-led statement.” This growing network is already delivering on that promise, advocating for systemic change in the way public institutions think about food. Attendees discussed how procurement frameworks can be rewritten to prioritise sustainability, how stories from farms can help meet Ofsted and CQC objectives, and how even minor shifts in menus can support the broader goal of a healthy, sustainable food system. From vision to action The event closed with a strong sense of optimism and forward motion. As delegates prepared to return to their respective organisations, the mood was one of resolve. The visit had reaffirmed the link between food, land, health, and sustainability. Most importantly, it had sparked ideas for how to turn knowledge into action. Love British Food’s farm training visits are not just about showcasing British farming, they are about cultivating a movement. They remind us that changing our food system is not about one big leap, but about many people making small, meaningful steps, together. As one changemaker concluded: “Whether it’s choosing a local butcher, sourcing seasonal veg, or championing British produce in a school lunch, it all adds up. That’s the power of this programme. It gives us the knowledge and the network to make it happen.” As out host farmer, Johnny spoke of the impact the day and how it changed his perception: “I now have a much better understanding of the multiple challenges in public sector catering. While sweeping reform won’t happen overnight, small, strategic changes will deliver long-term improvements to public health and our environment.” Quotes from the day: "Change needs to be accessible and actionable. Today has shown how much positive impact you can have through small but meaningful changes." “We urgently need to dispel the myth that fresh, British produce is more expensive – when considered in a wider social and economic context.” “We need to make food a priority in the NHS. Too often the focus in hospital is on cure rather than prevention.” “The programme provides a vital opportunity to see the work that British farmers put into producing food” “We need to make food a priority in the NHS. Too often the focus in hospital is on cure rather than prevention.” “Shout about what you are already doing, tell the stories so it becomes part of your organisation and your customer experience” “I am hugely grateful to Johnny for hosting and sharing how regenerative farming contributes to British food production.” “Johnny was such an outstanding host, with a wealth of knowledge to share and a keen interest in the intricacies of public sector procurement.” Caterers, Dieticians, Procurement Leads and Board Members are all invited to attend our farm visits. Each visit runs from approx. 11am – 3pm and involves a farm tour followed by working lunch and discussion on opportunities and challenges. Anyone interested in attending a future farm visit and joining our cohort of changemakers should contact: info@lovebritishfood.co.uk

Love British Food has hosted its tenth on-farm training event for public sector food professionals at Courteenhall Estate, expanding the number of change makers to 214 people, all inspired to champion British produce.

By Philip Rayner, Managing Director, Glebe Farm Foods Sustainability is more than a principle for us - it’s the foundation of how we grow, produce, and package every product in our PureOaty range at Glebe Farm. From our oat fields in Cambridgeshire to our energy-efficient production line just metres away, every step of the journey is designed to reduce emissions, support biodiversity, and strengthen the British farming community. Homegrown in Cambridgeshire All of our oats are sown, grown, and milled in Cambridgeshire. Spanning 100,000 acres, our family farm works with a trusted network of local farmers within a 70-mile radius. This hyper-local supply chain keeps food miles low and helps reduce transport-related emissions while also ensuring traceability and quality from farm to table. By supporting local farmers, we’re investing in our local economy and creating a resilient, British-first supply model, something we believe is critical in this ever-evolving food landscape.

Love British Food announces the launch of its new podcast for chefs, Get Seasonal.

Love British Food announces its tenth on-farm training event for public sector food professionals, showcasing how sustainable British produce can enhance nutrition, meet procurement standards, and support local economies. Taking place on Tuesday 10 June at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, the event is being hosted by the British Farming Awards Sustainable Farmer of 2024, Dr Johnny Wake. Dr. Wake left a career in medicine to focus on transforming his family farm into a leading example of regenerative farming. He will guide a tour of the Estate, showcasing the sustainable practices shaping British agriculture. Delegates can expect practical insights and an opportunity to share learning with their peers, as Dr Wake explores the vital relationships in the food chain and their link to student / patient wellbeing. From sustainably managing land to produce low-impact, nutritious food, to the positive outcomes this has for health – both for people and the environment. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Love British Food to Courteenhall,” says Dr Wake. “We’re keen to promote healthy eating and a connection with food and where it comes from by providing tangible example of how responsible land stewardship, sustainability, and holistic living can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.” With the upcoming Government Buying Standards for public sector procurement, this unique training day offers a timely opportunity to learn how to align with policies that prioritise nutritious, sustainably farmed British food—driving economic growth and supporting public health. The event will also introduce the new partnership between Love British Food and Food for Life, aimed at promoting good food in schools, hospitals and care settings. This visit is part of Love British Food’s national programme promoting British food within the public sector. After successfully completing nine farm visits, this tenth event will inspire even more caterers to champion locally sourced, environmentally sustainable, and nutritionally superior food. Alexia Robinson, Love British Food Founder, says: “Simply put, food grown in a way that Johnny advocates for, not only enhances the environment it is often more nutritious. It plays a vital role in helping students thrive, patients recover, and our local communities and economies to flourish.” Learn more about Love British Food’s farm visit programme here: Farm Visits for Caterers Event notes: Cost including farm tour, lunch, and training materials: £50 for NACC and TUCO members £95 for non-members How to book: NACC members: Email Neel.Radia@thenacc.co.uk TUCO members: Email Sarah.McLoughlin@tuco.ac.uk Or online at https://www.tuco.ac.uk/academy/professional-development/development-day/love-british-food-training-day Other organisations: Email alexiarobinson@lovebritishfood.co.uk Location details: Courteenhall Estate, Northamptonshire, NN7 2QD Visit the Courteenhall Estate Website Agenda: 10.30am - Arrival with tea/coffee and introductions 11.00am - Guided farm tour led by Dr Johnny Wake, showcasing regenerative farming practices 1.00pm - Working lunch and group discussion covering: Building robust, local supply chains How sustainable food supports net zero goals Improving nutrition and health outcomes Menu planning around seasonal produce Managing cost challenges Community benefits of sourcing British Love British Food's national programme of farm visits and support 3.00pm - Closing remarks (the day will conclude by 3.30pm) Listen: Dr Wake, recently appeared on BBC Radio 4 discussing the future of food and farming. Listen to his interview here: BBC Radio 4 Interview

A new commitment to British food and farming was unveiled at the University of Warwick today as the Love British Food Pledge made its debut at the prestigious TUCO Competitions Event. Co-created by Tim Radcliffe , NHS England and Alexia Robinson , Founder of Love British Food, the initiative calls on industry leaders, influencers, and media to publicly pledge their support for homegrown food and farming. At the heart of the launch is a Pledge Board , inviting attendees to physically sign their commitment to the principles of the Pledge. The Pledge outlines core commitments: We, the undersigned, proudly commit to supporting and promoting British food and farming. Together, we pledge to: Champion British Produce - Prioritise the sourcing, supply, and promotion of British-grown and British-made food wherever possible. - Highlight the quality, sustainability, and heritage of British produce in all aspects of our work. Support British Farmers, Producers and Manufacturers - Build strong, fair, and transparent relationships with British farmers, growers, producers and manufacturers. - Encourage investment in British agriculture by promoting its importance to local economies and communities. Promote Sustainability and Seasonality - Advocate for sustainable farming and production practices that protect our countryside and environment. - Celebrate the seasonality of British food, reducing food miles and minimising waste Inspire Consumers to Choose British - Educate and inspire customers and communities about the benefits of choosing British food. - Create opportunities to showcase the diversity and excellence of British food and drink through menus, events, and campaigns. Work Together for a Stronger Future - Collaborate with like-minded organisations and businesses to strengthen British food’s presence locally and globally. - Advocate for policies that support the growth and success of British agriculture and food production. - By signing this pledge, we affirm our commitment to the values of Love British Food, to ensure a thriving future for British food, farming, and communities. Love British Food’s Alexia Robinson commented: “British food is the backbone of our nation’s health, economy, and identity. This Pledge gives people across our industry a powerful way to show their support and drive real change in sourcing, sustainability and education,” NHS England’s Tim Radcliffe added: “We believe this initiative will energise the sector and create a ripple effect - encouraging public services, retailers, and the wider food industry to source British and support our farmers.” Graeme Collie, TUCO concluded: “We were delighted to launch the Love British Food Pledge at the TUCO Competitions event today and I'm sure the TUCO members will continue to support the Pledge this year. Many TUCO members were keen to commit to the pledge and show their support to British food and farming.” Following its launch at TUCO, the Love British Food Pledge will feature at major sector events throughout the year, including the LACA Main Event in July, as well as the NACC and HCA annual events. This campaign comes at a pivotal time for British food production, as consumers and caterers alike demand greater transparency, sustainability, and local provenance in their food choices.

Background NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) is the largest Health Board in Scotland, providing a catering service for approximately 6,000 patients each day across 4 sectors covering 16 hospital sites. These range from small outlying units to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus, the largest Critical Care complex and Emergency Department in Europe.