a sustainable farm business

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FARM BUSINESS

JONATHAN BRUNYEE 2015 NUFFIELD SCHOLAR

When I applied for my Nuffield Scholarship I was at a crossroads. I had worked in the sector for 20 years, mainly as a farm adviser and environmental consultant, and I was successfully practising what I preached on a National Trust holding in the Cotswolds. But I felt there was more to learn and achieve. How could I build a truly sustainable and regenerative farm business? How could I do more and actually make a difference?

I sought Nuffield support for many reasons. I needed financial help to travel, I needed a programme to give me structure and confidence, I needed a new network to explore. Importantly, my scholarship gave me ‘permission’ to be way from home and to take time out.

Travelling to the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Romania, France and Italy was a wonderful experience but it confirmed some of my biggest fears. It brought home how unsustainable we are as a society and industry. Everywhere I went I witnessed soil degradation, habitat loss, disconnected and broken food systems. But I also found pockets of hope and inspiration. I saw small scale agroecological farming in action, large scale regenerative practice and diverse rural enterprise, and I met some amazing leaders and story tellers.

My Nuffield opened my eyes, helped with my confidence and gave me a new vision.

The friends I made are lifelong.

I came home determined to step up and to do more - on the farm and off farm.

I left the world of consultancy and took up a senior teaching post at the Royal Agricultural University working with tomorrow’s land managers. All my lectures somehow linked farm business management to natural capital, enterprise and regenerative thinking. I hope I influenced one or two students along the way to farm differently and with nature! I also volunteered as a Director of the Pasture Fed Livestock Association to help grow the pasturefed and agroecological movement. The PFLA goes from strength to strength.

Importantly, Conygree Farm is thriving. We are more diverse than before with more habitat, better soil, new enterprises and a range of people working with us. We are more profitable. It’s more enjoyable. Two years ago I left the RAU to lead the development of FarmED – The Centre for Farm and Food Education. We aim to be at the heart of local, regional and global agroecological transition, working to connect, inspire and educate a diverse audience – from school children to farmers, to policy makers and communities. So far, our impact and reach has been overwhelming and the move to a regenerative future seems possible. It’s an amazing place to work and we are making a difference. My Nuffield journey brought me here.