Written by Charley Snowdon, Office of Blake Stephenson MP
Young Farmers from across the country stepped into the spotlight this month as Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson hosted a two-part debating programme designed to inspire young people in agriculture and place their voices at the heart of national discussion. The initiative began as an event for Bedfordshire Young Farmers, but interest grew so quickly that it was opened up to Young Farmers from counties nationwide.
The programme started on 4 March at Shuttleworth College, where students took part in a debate skills session with expert speakers John Cherry, a leading figure in regenerative farming, and Oli Fletcher of Farming Explained. This session was also live streamed, allowing additional Young Farmers who could not attend in person to benefit from the presentations and training. Their insights on regenerative and conventional systems prepared young farmers for the parliamentary debate the following week, with a particular focus on how different choices affect soil health, biodiversity, water resilience and farm profitability.
On 11 March, participants gathered in Parliament’s historic Committee Room 14 for a lively debate chaired by Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore. Young farmers from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire and beyond presented thoughtful and informed arguments on both sides of the motion, “Can the UK feed the nation through regenerative farming?” After robust discussion and closing statements, the room voted in favour of regenerative farming, backing a transition that is context-specific, evidence-led and focused on measurable outcomes in the soil.
During this parliamentary debate, John Cherry and Joanna Bowen, co-founders of the Groundswell Festival, contributed powerful arguments in favour of regenerative practices. Joanna spoke about the noticeable increase in wildlife and biodiversity on their farm since adopting regenerative methods, while John emphasised the need for farming systems that balance reliable food production with long-term soil function. Sussex farmer Oliver Field added an important perspective from conventional farming, highlighting the challenge of producing enough food while also delivering environmental improvements, underlining that successful transitions must be practical and resilient for farm businesses of all sizes.
MPs in attendance also included Shadow Defra Secretary of State Victoria Atkins, Greg Smith and Richard Fuller. Richard Fuller, MP for North Bedfordshire, attended to support young people from his constituency and to champion the importance of involving future farmers in national policy discussions. Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, served as a judge for the debate and recognised the high standard of contributions from participants, including those from his own area.
The event was also supported by Olivers Agriculture, the well-known Bedfordshire machinery firm, who kindly sponsored the post-debate refreshments, adding to the warm and collaborative atmosphere of the evening.
Molly Bampton of Bedfordshire was named top contributor for her compelling, evidence-led case for regenerative farming, making the connection between minimal soil disturbance, continuous cover, diverse rotations and living roots, and the economic resilience of farm businesses. Twelve-year-old Alfie Smith, a Bedfordshire Young Farmer, also impressed with his passion for the future of food and farming. Their contributions, alongside those of their peers, captured the spirit of the programme: thoughtful, engaged and forward-looking.
Blake Stephenson MP said the initiative was designed to give young farmers the confidence and platform they deserve, praising participants for their insight and enthusiasm. President of Bedfordshire Young Farmers Blanche Walker described the evening as an invaluable opportunity to debate real issues in a parliamentary setting. Farming influencer Olly Harrison also commended the group, noting that he had “never seen so much sensible debate in Parliament.”
The programme has been widely praised as a major milestone and a clear demonstration of the energy, passion and capability of the next generation of British farmers, one that is ready to lead on soil health, biodiversity and practical, profitable regenerative systems.
