Hope for Regenerative Agriculture: Andy Cato’s Inspiring Journey with Wildfarmed

In a time when farming faces numerous challenges, from climate change to profitability issues, Andy Cato champions a hopeful narrative. “What I wish came up more often was what an amazingly hopeful story this is,” he emphasizes. Cato is at the helm of Wildfarmed, a pioneering regenerative food venture in the UK that supplies wheat and flour to major retailers like Tesco, Greggs, and Nando’s.

The Journey: From DJ to Regenerative Farmer

Cato’s path to Wildfarmed began in 2008, during his time as part of the electronic music duo Groove Armada. On his way back from a gig, he stumbled upon an article that challenged readers to break free from conventional systems. This resonated with Cato, igniting a desire to cultivate his food source. Living in France, he transformed his garden into a vegetable patch, which encouraged him to explore local markets and ultimately purchase a farm by selling his publishing rights.

Despite initial success with regenerative farming techniques, Cato recognized that conventional supply chains didn’t allow him to earn a premium for his sustainably-grown grain. Frustrated, he pivoted to milling and baking, establishing a bakery that showcased his regeneratively grown wheat.

Creating a Sustainable Supply Chain

Cato’s vision for Wildfarmed was inspired by the choices consumers made at his bakery. Returning to the UK, he teamed up with former TV presenter George Lamb and finance expert Edd Lees to create an economic model that rewards farmers for holistic practices, including water conservation and biodiversity.

Today, Wildfarmed guarantees premiums for approximately 150 British farmers who commit to regenerative practices. The venture also has partnerships with various water companies, incentivizing farmers to reduce chemical inputs that harm waterways.

Policy Engagement: Reshaping the Sustainable Farming Incentive

A key focus for Wildfarmed has been engaging policymakers to improve the UK’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Cato explains, “There’s this legacy that says you can’t produce food and recover nature simultaneously.” By advocating for a coexistence model, Wildfarmed has successfully influenced policy changes to benefit both farmers and ecosystems.

Building a Community Among Farmers

Beyond financial incentives, Cato prioritizes the development of a supportive community for farmers. Wildfarmed organizes open days, regional hubs, and training sessions where farmers can connect and share experiences. Their WhatsApp group is renowned in British farming circles for its collaborative spirit.

Cato is driven by his own experiences of isolation during difficult farming periods, aiming to create an environment where farmers can rely on each other for support and advice.

Consumer Choices: The Case for Support

For a new food system to thrive, consumer support is paramount. While Cato acknowledges that the higher costs of regeneratively grown food can be prohibitive, he believes that many consumers would prioritize spending a little extra for sustainable options if they understood their impact. “If people knew their food choices could lead to resilient crops and healthier communities, I’m confident many would pay a bit more,” he asserts.

Supermarkets are beginning to take notice, with Tesco recently introducing Wildfarmed products, driven by consumer demand for quality and sustainable offerings.

Evidence of Impact: Biodiversity and Carbon Data

To validate its claims, Wildfarmed has collaborated with researchers to gather data showing the ecological benefits of its methods. Studies indicate that Wildfarmed fields hosted significantly more bees and insect biomass than conventional farms. Additionally, partnerships with institutions like Rothamsted highlighted the potential for improved soil carbon storage in regenerative practices.

Inevitability of Change: Lessons from the Past

Cato is adamant that the current food system is unsustainable: “Business as usual is not an option,” he warns. Drawing parallels to his upbringing in Barnsley, he recalls the importance of responding to warnings. “The canaries in the coal mine are now keeling over regarding our food system’s resilience.” With climate threats looming large, he believes systemic change is not just necessary, but inevitable.

Cato concludes with a clarion call to embrace a new agricultural paradigm that prioritizes both food production and environmental stewardship, inviting stakeholders across the board to participate in this transformative journey.