Northern Ireland’s first regenerative agriculture festival set to take place in Mid and East Antrim

Thursday 29 August 2024

Fields Good puts soil health at the heart of a successful business, as the engine of profitable agricultural production. 

The festival – which takes place on 7 September 2024 at the The Sheddings, Glenarm - will help farmers and those who work in agriculture understand how their soil functions - and why for example -they are having issues of weed control, compaction and water infiltration. As farming continues to change rapidly - both with climate  and policy changes - a better understanding of soils can help to put farmers and their families back in the driving seat.

The event is aimed at farmers, horticulturists, agronomists, researchers, NGO's, policy makers and those interested in the wider food chain.

The festival will also host a wide range of experienced speakers including keynote speaker Greg Judy, all the way from America, cited to be one of the most respected grazing educators in the world; As well as educators and farmers, there will be  industry representation from M&S, Foyle Foods, Dale Farm and Queens University (around 50 in total) sharing their knowledge via talks and discussion panels over three talk zones and lots of field walks and demonstrations.

Panels will be discussing topics such as bringing customers and food producers together, how ‘Big Food’ is responding to change, growing fibres of the future, successful horticulture and how the 2050 farm might look.

In addition, there will be 30 agricultural trade businesses and organisations represented - and delicious food and drink stalls throughout the day.  Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will be there on the day hosting a stand and providing information to farmers/landowners on woodland creation opportunities and grant options as well as business supports. 

The day will end with a celebration of new networks and knowledge gained, with a evening entertainment of live music and a DJ.  Camping is available for those wishing to stay.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: “I am delighted Fields Good has chosen to locate the festival in the Borough - taking place in the beautiful surroundings at The Sheddings.  The event sets to encourage new thinking to help the agriculture sector and indeed the wider food industry to harness opportunities and adopt innovative methods by starting with soil health.

“With an abundance of farmers, growers and food producers in our Borough, this festival will be of great interest and will provide you with great exposure to experienced speakers and plenty new insights.  I wish the organisers and indeed attendees a great day.”

Fields Good will be located at The Sheddings, 64 Munie Road, Glenarm, BT44 0BL.

Tickets are £45 (plus booking fee) for a full day 9am - 12 midnight including parking, a band and DJ. Food and a bar available on site. Camping is also available. Hurry and book now on the Fields Good website.