Yorkshire is taking a leading role in a new national campaign to support the future of British farming and food production.
Vale of York regenerative farmer Angus Gowthorpe and Brighouse-based food ingredients business Eurostar Commodities are among the driving forces behind the first British Regenerative Farming Week, which will take place from 12 to 19 September 2026. Launched by RISE Re:Gen and sponsored by Eurostar Commodities, the campaign will bring together farmers, food businesses, retailers, bakeries, manufacturers and supply chain partners from across the country. Its aim is to raise awareness of farming practices that can restore soil health, support biodiversity, improve resilience and strengthen the future of British food production.
The Yorkshire connection represents both sides of the regenerative farming movement. Angus is putting regenerative principles into practice on his farm in the Vale of York, while Eurostar Commodities is helping to create a market for regeneratively farmed ingredients and bring them into the wider food supply chain. Together, they are placing Yorkshire at the centre of a growing national conversation about healthy soil, food security, climate resilience and the future of British agriculture.
New industry research released ahead of the week shows strong support for regenerative farming, but also highlights a significant gap in understanding. All respondents to the industry pulse survey said or indicated that regenerative farming was important to the future of British agriculture. However, 42% admitted that they did not understand its potential wider benefits for biodiversity, water retention and carbon reduction. The research also found that 92% regarded regenerative farming as either very or quite important to their own business, with half describing it as very important.
Jason Bull, Managing Director of Eurostar Commodities, said:
“The message coming through from this research is really encouraging. Businesses recognise that regenerative farming matters and they want to be part of its future. What is equally clear, however, is that we have much more work to do to explain why it matters and what it can achieve.
“The extreme weather we have experienced recently should focus all of our minds. We cannot keep talking about the need to change at some point in the future. We need to start making that change now.
“Periods of drought, intense heat and heavy rainfall all place enormous pressure on farms, soils and our food system. Building healthier, more resilient soils has to be part of the conversation about how British agriculture responds.”
Interest is already translating into action across the food supply chain. Two-thirds of respondents, 67%, said their businesses were already using ingredients produced through regenerative farming, while a further 17% were investigating their use. Among those for whom the question was relevant, 82% indicated that they planned to use regenerative wheat or flour either immediately, within the next 12 months or during the following two to three years.
However, the survey also found that regenerative ingredients must work commercially as well as environmentally if they are to achieve widespread adoption. Competitive pricing was the factor most likely to influence the decision to use regenerative wheat or flour, selected by 75% of respondents.
Other important considerations included:
Proven environmental benefits – 50%
Improved traceability – 42%
Product quality and performance – 42%
Reliable supply – 25%
Customer or consumer demand – 25%
Clear certification or growing standards – 25%
Support with sustainability reporting – 25%
Availability, limited knowledge and a lack of consumer demand were each identified as barriers by a third of respondents, while 25% highlighted difficulties in verifying environmental claims.
The findings suggest businesses want greater evidence and transparency alongside environmental ambition. Respondents called for a better understanding of the entire supply chain, including how farmers are improving soil health, and clearer explanations of the differences between regenerative and organic farming.
A third identified limited consumer demand as a barrier to using more regenerative ingredients. However, 92% said information about soil health, biodiversity and farming practices would help them explain the benefits of regenerative products to their customers.
British Regenerative Farming Week will give farmers and food businesses a national platform to share their experiences and help more people understand how farming practices can affect soil, biodiversity, water and the resilience of the food supply chain. Everyone who grows, makes, sells, serves or supports British food is invited to take part and join the conversation using #RegenerativeFarmingWeek.
For more information and campaign resources, visit British Regenerative Farming Week.
