Dear Editor,
On Sunday, May 25th, the Trinity Rooms in Stroud hosted a vibrant and thought-provoking community event titled Food, Farming and the Future.
The gathering brought together local voices and expert speakers to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the food and farming sectors in the UK.
Chaired by Jade Bashford, Programme Manager for Ready Healthy Eat at the Real Farming Trust, the panel featured economist and former MEP Molly Scott Cato, peace and development expert Judith Large, and Eric from Good Small Farms.
Around 60 attendees represented a diverse cross-section of the Stroud community, including food growers, smallholders, and concerned citizens across generations. Topics discussed included the impact of inheritance tax on small farms, the corporate dominance of food systems, food poverty, and the effects of climate change on food security. A key concern raised was the appropriation of food and farming narratives by far-right groups—and how communities can respond with inclusive, positive alternatives.
Judith Large’s compelling talk on the history of “blood and soil” ideology and its links to far-right nationalism was particularly impactful.
Other speakers warned against the scapegoating of migrants in discussions of food poverty and highlighted the use of “white replacement” conspiracy theories in far-right narratives—especially regarding myths that migrant communities will take over white-owned farmland.
The event concluded on a hopeful and energising note, leaving many with a renewed sense of empowerment and greater understanding of how to challenge divisive rhetoric. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and build solidarity around local food initiatives and sustainable farming practices during the group discussions.
Organised by Community Solidarity Stroud District (CSSD), the event marked an important step in resisting division and fostering grassroots resilience.
Emma Calcutt
