The Marches Real Food and Farming Convergence 2025 battled the weather to prove a great success at Square Farm, Monmouth, on the 3 and 4 October.
The Convergence welcomed attendees from the Marches and beyond to explore the future of local food systems and to foster collaboration for a resilient, sustainable food future.
This year’s event focused on important topics, including nature-friendly and regenerative farming, building strong local food networks, and getting communities and schools involved in changing the way we grow and eat food.
Through a range of presentations, learning circles, and practical sessions, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on food resilience and the vital connections between soil, plant, animal, and human health.
The event also featured exhibitor stands showcasing local initiatives and resources, alongside delicious local food and live entertainment on Friday evening.
Cllr Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, commented: “The Marches Real Food and Farming Convergence provided a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and networking between passionate members of the food community. It was clear to see the enthusiasm at Square Farm. Monmouthshire is home to many innovative growers, producers and farmers and it was wonderful that so many people from across the Marches came along to join us in Monmouth.”
A key feature of the Convergence event was its focus on legacy, aiming to develop farming clusters in Monmouthshire to foster collaborative spaces for learning and mutual support. The event’s place-based approach leveraged the strengths of the host farm and the county, ensuring that discussions were grounded in local realities and opportunities.
The Marches Real Food and Farming Convergence 2025 received sponsorship from The Marches Forward Partnership, Monmouthshire Food Partnership (UK Government Funding SPF), The Wye Valley National Landscape (Welsh Government Funding), ACE Monmouth, Size of Wales and Sustainable Food Places. It was organised by the Shropshire Good Food Partnership and supported by Monmouthshire County Council in collaboration with Monmouthshire Food Partnership, the Hereford Food Alliance, and Cultivate Powys.
Cllr Burch continued: “Thank you to everyone involved in organising this event, as well as to our sponsors and partners. A special thank you also goes to Square Farm for hosting us. Without your dedication, we wouldn’t have been able to bring such a fantastic event to life.”
