06 Jun 2024

Nutrition is Not Enough: Exploring Food Systems that Heal Body, Community, and Planet through Regenerative Farming

??'|'Past Presentations'| Food on Prescription |'Nutrition is not enough

Event: IPM Congress 2024
Date: 6th June 2024
By:'Dr. Sally Bell, Patrick Holden CBE, Sarah Langford, Ben Raskin, Dr Chintal Patel, Dr Catherin Zollman
Estimated Read Time: 8'9'minutes

Introduction: A New Exploration in Holistic Nutrition

At the IPM Congress 2024, an insightful discussion challenged conventional views on food and health, exploring the expansive role food systems play in healing not just our bodies, but also communities and the planet. Led by Dr. Sally Bell, with distinguished panelists like Patrick Holden CBE, Sarah Langford, and Ben Raskin, the session underscored a paradigm shift toward integrating eco-conscious farming with public health strategies. This narrative dives into the key themes and insights shared by leaders in both the health and agricultural sectors, advocating for a coalition between medicine and farming.

Integration of Health and Regenerative Farming

Dr. Sally Bell, a proponent of lifestyle and functional medicine, opened the discussion with her vision of uniting medical professionals with farmers to foster collaboration between nutrition and food production. Highlighting how past medical conferences often ignored the origins of food, she brought forth the argument that understanding and improving food systems can be instrumental in addressing diseases rooted in poor nutrition.

Industrial vs. Regenerative Farming: A Paradigm Shift

Patrick Holden, a veteran in sustainable agriculture advocacy, reflected on the current industrial farming landscape: "Our food systems, predominant in supermarkets, often provide highly processed options with adverse health impacts." He painted a hopeful picture for the future, describing how regions like Wales are pioneering sustainable food sourcing within the NHS. This shift indicates a growing recognition from large institutions about the critical relationship between food quality and health.

Sarah Langford, transitioning from law to regenerative farming, shared her journey, emphasising the historical ties between humans and soil health. Her narrative intertwined with Eve Balfour's vision: "If there is to be a National Health Service, it should be agriculture." This aligns with the UK's groundbreaking initiative of incentivizing ecological farming practices, a move Sarah believes positions the nation as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

Challenges and Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture

Ben Raskin elucidated the intricacies of industrial farming, where profit often overshadows ecological health. Sharing an anecdote about a salad producer who faced resistance in adopting sustainable practices due to financial constraints, he highlighted the systemic challenges farmers face. Raskin underscored the potential for a revolution in farming, where ecological and community benefits are prioritised alongside profitability.

A pivotal discussion emerged around the many labels within sustainable farming''regenerative', 'organic', 'biodynamic'. Holden explained the need for a harmonised framework that measures sustainability impacts consistently, thus simplifying consumer choices and building trust.

The Interconnection of Nature and Community Health

A recurring theme was the harmonious relationship between productive farming and biodiversity. Langford shared inspiring examples from her farm where diverse planting not only restored ecological balance but also enhanced food quality. She emphasised that regenerative farming goes beyond mere crop health'it is about re-establishing the symbiotic relationships within ecosystems, which in turn, translates to more nutrient-rich food.

Furthering the discussion, Bell touched upon the social richness sustainable farming fosters. Echoing the thoughts of many on the panel, she illustrated how food systems could become community-centred, not just through nutritional richness but also by being culturally and socially engaging.

Community Supported Agriculture: A Model for Connection

Raskin introduced the concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), where consumers play an active role in farming, sharing both the risks and the rewards. He praised its holistic benefits: "It's transformative, improving physical and mental health, fostering social cohesion, and supporting local economies." Such models provide a tangible framework for connecting people more directly with the food they consume, creating mutual support systems within communities.

Animal Farming: Reconciling Ethical Concerns

Addressing the complexities of animal farming within sustainability discourse, Holden conveyed the potential for livestock to be part of environmentally sound agricultural systems if managed properly. He argued for a diverse dietary approach, reiterating that the right kind of animal farming is essential for restoring and maintaining soil health.

Concluding Reflections: The Road Ahead

The panel concluded with insights into how a broader integration of regenerative practices across disciplines could pave the way for a healthier society and planet. The speakers urged attendees to question conventional systems and advocate for food production methods that prioritise ecological health and community involvement.

As Dr. Sally Bell aptly wrapped up, the session was more than an exchange of ideas; it was a call to action. Here lies an opportunity for the medical and agricultural communities to join forces, nurturing a future where food systems are intricately linked to healing landscapes and improving public health.

Further Reading

Dr. Sally Bell

Could Eating Meat Save the Planet? ' Slow Food in the UK
In this article, Dr. Sally Bell explores how ethical meat consumption can improve environmental, welfare, and health standards.
From Soil Health to Gut Health ' Oxford Real Farming Conference
Dr. Bell discusses the connection between soil health and gut health, emphasising the importance of regenerative food and farming.
Dr. Sally Bell discusses the link between nutrition and gut health ' YouTube Video
In this video, Dr. Bell explores gut health, gut bacteria, and the significance of food origins.

Patrick Holden CBE

Q&A with Sustainable Food Trust's Patrick Holden ' Food Tank
An interview where Patrick Holden discusses the mission of the Sustainable Food Trust and the importance of sustainable food systems.
Patrick Holden's Thoughts on a Better Food and Farming System ' Resilience
Patrick Holden shares his vision for a sustainable food and farming system that benefits both people and the planet.
Bringing Down the Barriers to Truly Sustainable Agriculture ' Innovation News Network
Patrick Holden discusses issues such as the Agriculture Bill, Brexit, and the 'land sharing' versus 'land sparing' debate.
Patrick Holden - RE:TV
Patrick Holden shares his vision of how regenerative agriculture could make farming climate positive, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring depleted land.

Sarah Langford

Called to the Baa! Sarah Langford ' Counsel Magazine
An insightful interview discussing Sarah Langford's transition from barrister to author and farmer, exploring the parallels between farming and the legal profession.
Six Inches of Soil: How to Heal Our Soils, Ourselves and Our Communities Through Regenerative Farming ' 5m Books
A comprehensive book featuring a foreword by Sarah Langford, discussing the importance of soil health and regenerative farming practices.

Ben Raskin