Farmers invited to build resilience and sustainability at new Future Proof Your Farm workshop

Stroud District Council has partnered with Hartpury University and Hartpury College to deliver a new practical workshop, Future Proof Your Farm: Strategies for Building Business Resilience, supporting farmers across the district to strengthen their businesses and protect the environment.

The event forms part of the council’s commitment in its Council Plan to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and to enable the development of regenerative farming and land management.

Farmers across the Stroud district are facing significant challenges due to rising costs, changing markets and the pressures created by climate change. The workshop will help attendees develop real world strategies to build resilience, improve profitability and support nature recovery.

Taking place at Stroud Brewery on Friday 23 January 2026, the session will provide practical insight, opportunities to learn from sector leaders and time to connect with peers who are already adopting new approaches on farms across the region.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: 

“Farmers are vital to the health, character and prosperity of our district. This workshop offers hands on support at a time when many are navigating major change. We want to help farmers build thriving, resilient businesses that also protect soil, improve biodiversity and strengthen our local food system.

“I am delighted that Stroud District Council is working with Hartpury University and College to bring this high-quality learning opportunity to our farming community.”

Three expert speakers will share their experience and insight:

• ·       Jonty Brunyee, Conygree Farm. A regenerative farmer managing a 180-acre organic, pasture fed and agroecological farm in the Cotswolds. Jonty is a Nuffield Scholar and former adviser whose work focuses on soil health, species rich grasslands and diversified farm enterprises.
• ·       Richard Gantlett, Yatesbury House Farm, Wiltshire. A biodynamic and organic farmer championing soil life, biodiversity and low input regenerative systems. Richard brings extensive hands-on experience and research insight into agroecology and holistic farming.
• ·       Andrew Jones, Industrial Hemp Processing (Fibra and Guiting Manor Farms). An entrepreneur leading innovation in natural fibre materials and hemp-based bio composites. Andrew has developed an on-farm hemp processing facility that is creating new high value markets for sustainable farm businesses.

Event details 

• Date: 23 January 2026, 12:00 to 15:30 
• Venue: Stroud Brewery, GL5 2BY 
• Cost: £10 including lunch 

Booking link: https://lnkd.in/e5XZBCrd

Stroud District Council encourages farmers across the district to join the workshop and explore new opportunities for resilience, productivity and environmental stewardship.

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