New initative from a cluster of organisations, including ORC and Agricology, is connecting the dots between regenerative farming, learning and training opportunities across the UK.
The Agroecological Learning Collective (TALC) is a new UK-based collective of agroecological trainers, mentors, advisors, centres of learning and demonstration farms that work together to share and deliver the skills and knowledge needed for a regenerative future.
TALC aims to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the UK sector, provide a central knowledge platform for agroecological training, build regional, national and international links between teachers and learners, stimulate the development of new courses and promoting agroecology as a career.
Behind this new collective is The Landworkers Alliance, the Sustainable Food Trust, The Real Farming Trust, The Apricot Centre, Organic Research Centre, Agricology, Black Mountain College and Sustain.
Our farming and food system is not currently sustainable. Our dominant systems are depletive, damaging to the natural and cultural environment, and are harmful to human health. An agroecological and regenerative farming future is needed and it should deliver affordable healthy food for all. It should provide rewarding work for farmers and growers, big and small, and help build a thriving rural economy. “During this time of rapid transitions in farming towards agroecological and regenerative systems, there is a crucial need for training and knowledge sharing opportunities” says Rachel Phillips from Apricot Centre.
TALC has evolved through exploring the current barriers and opportunities in agroecological training. Across the UK there is a deep and active network committed to building a regenerative farming future. This network is working hard to deliver a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited courses and learning, however it is often disconnected and lacking reach.
“TALC is stepping out on the first part of it’s journey to create an ecosystem of knowledge seekers and knowledge providers” but ambitions are big says Matt Smee from Organic Research Centre. TALC aims to be the go-to place for information on agroecology learning opportunities to support a resilient transition to a regenerative farming future.
“Whether you’re an experienced farmer or a new entrant, TALC shines a light on the range of learning opportunities that can support them on their journey to create a just transition towards improved food production and a more holistic food system. The Organic Research Centre are excited to be part of the TALC Steering Committee, as it takes the first step towards improving and promoting agroecological learning opportunities. This broad collaboration brings together a range of actors in the agroecological space who are striving to support change and create the skills and knowledge that can lead to the change needed across agricultural systems.”
Matt Smee, Organic Research Centre
TALC is aiming to build the case to the government and other training providers for the need for investment and stimulating the development of new training or courses. Rachel Philips goes on to say TALC is “paving the way for a more accessible and diverse learning experience in the agroecological movement.”
“TALC fills the gap in the current farming climate by providing up-to-date, relevant, and reliable training and support in these new methods of farming.”
Rachel Phillips
The Agroecological Learning Collective embraces individuals and organisations who are passionate about delivering or gaining new knowledge and skills relating to agroecology, regenerative farming and regenerative thinking.
The TALC website is live and needs agroecological knowledge providers and seekers to be a part of the collective by visiting the website, searching the directory and adding learning opportunities: https://agroecologylearning.org.uk/
