A Corner of Hope

This year, Emergent Generation gave space for young people to connect, recover, and learn from each other at our own tent at Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture festival – a major milestone on our growth journey. We hosted inspiring sessions on neurodiversity, policy advocacy with FFCC, land matching with Abunda, women in agriculture, agroforestry, and a podcasting workshop. Just as important were the informal conversations on the side–encouraged by a delicious, Natoora-sponsored social – that sparked friendships, unlocked mentors, and probed the tough questions. 

Whether a festival newbie or a veteran, our members found their footing at Groundswell, thanks to the wide and deep connections of our network. When we throw around words such as network, connections, likeminded individuals, enable, encourage, empower… THIS is what it feels like in reality:

Róisín:

“I first came to Groundswell last year, knowing just a few people, and my first impressions were that most people seemed to know what they were doing, why they were there, and did a lot of group socialising and networking. As someone at the beginning of figuring out a career in agroecological food and farming, curious but full of uncertainty, imposter syndrome definitely dampened my social confidence. Instead, I busied myself by packing in too many talks and an overwhelming amount of information. Yet, right at the end of Groundswell, just before heading back to the South West, I recall going to a panel talk hosted by Emergent Generation and Mitch. Though I was exhausted and hot, it was inspiring and reassuring to listen to young people talk about their paths into the farming industry, especially those with less ‘typical’ backgrounds. This was the sort of talk I wished I had found more of the days before.

Fast forward to this year. After joining Emergent Generation at the end of last summer and attending events such as the Em Gen Summer Gathering and ORFC, this year’s Groundswell was an entirely different experience personally. I came with a group of friends, and we’d meet for certain talks but often went different ways. When I wandered around this year, it was easy to bump into some familiar faces. 

In the Em Gen tent, knowing that everyone there was a member, supporter, or just curious about the network, I found more confidence to talk to new people. Most people were as enthusiastic as I am about food and farming, and either were or had been in the place of uncertainty I (still) felt now. The bustle of Wednesday evening’s social was especially grounding and enriching–introductions, swapping contacts, learning about exciting projects, broadening awareness for the different roles in the sector, sharing tips for working outdoors during the heatwaves (!!!). It’s particularly affirming to meet new people and realise that you’re already connected through someone else you both know–that’s how you know you’re in the right place.

I’ve heard conversations about how much events like Groundswell are preaching to the converted (though I’d argue for the value of the talks and social gathering), while recognising so many faces from similar events makes you realise how relatively small the regenerative/ agroecological space is. But as a young person figuring out their path in the agroecological food and farming sector, it’s hugely important and motivating to feel a part of a community. One that is growing, with more young people coming into the sector.”

Tristan:

“I think this was my fourth Groundswell, although they all blur into one good memory for me! I distinctly remember though that my first Groundswell was in July 2023, following our first Em Gen event in September 2022. I would not have gone to Groundswell that year had I not had the experience of Emergent Generation previously. It meant that I knew there would be familiar young faces from the network at the event, and that reduced my fear of imposter syndrome. It’s amazing to think that less than 4 years on, we are now nearly 1,000 members strong, and with our own tent and a recognised identity. What a presence! 

It felt like our identity has really been cemented by having our own tent at the festival. Well done Jonty and Becky for running with this idea with such conviction! It was great to come on Tuesday evening and watch your vision unfold. I spent most of the event at the tent, it felt very welcoming and homely. I enjoyed the intimacy of the sessions we hosted and the informal chats in between. I’ve realised the value of these personal connections that can be made at events like this, and I believe the tent really helped to create those in a way that you wouldn’t be able to in a larger setting.”

UK Climate Secretary, Katie White OBE, meets with Em Gen'rs in the Emergent Generation Tent at Groundswell 2026

A highlight for me was the chance to talk to Katie White, the UK Climate Secretary, who showed a deep interest in young people in agroecology and the formation of Emergent Generation. I hope she’s still wearing her Em Gen badge! Her parting comment to us was that she worked at WWF when they funded our first event at FarmED in 2022. That was a particularly significant moment for me to think about how Em Gen has grown since then, and shows the legacy of the impact that first event had. This is just one of the many unique experiences I’ve had directly through my involvement in Emergent Generation.

I really enjoyed watching Mitch record interviews and podcasts throughout the event. I was lucky enough to be in one of these with Jonty on the first night. Again another amazing experience! I thought back to sitting next to him on a coach to FarmED 4 years ago and was filled with pride seeing him in his element now. He looked so cool as he captured the energy of the event. 

Best of all was seeing young people, current members and potential new ones, engage with each other over a shared interest. Everyone who came through the tent door brought me so much hope and joy for the future, and was wonderful to talk to. It feels like we are really gaining momentum as an organisation, and within the agroecological movement, I feel very fortunate to have found my people, and even more fortunate to have a structure in place which allows this community to thrive! It’s incredible to see how we’ve grown in less than 4 years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the organisation and the members within it.”

Bogi:

“I agree with Tristan–the biggest currency of Em Gen is hope. It is easy to feel desperate and disgruntled by the state of the world any day. But not on the days when I am with Em Gen. Nothing gives me more hope than the amount of young people passionate about all weird, niche corners of the food system. Our Directors keep pushing forward and our members are making the world a better place–in the present, not in the future. I am grateful for this sense of hope and inspiration I take away from every single Em Gen event. Even though I always come home exhausted, spirits roam high for weeks.”

Last, we could probably write an entire post made up solely of thank yous, but we keep this brief!

To every mentor who gave their time and expertise to support young people over the two days, thank you. Thank you to Abunda, Natoora and Jonny from Soilsmiths for being the best Tent buddies we could have asked for and to the Food, Framing and Countryside Commission, the UK Youth Food and Farming Forum and the Sustainable Food Trust for collaborating with us on some fantastic sessions. To all our speakers, our wonderful directors, steering group, and every Em Gen member who came along to fill the tent with such warmth and enthusiasm–thank you. Your support means more than you could know.

We are incredibly grateful to the Rothschild Foundation, alongside the Groundswell team, whose support helped 100 young people attend the festival this year. We were proud to be Groundswell’s biggest ticket buyer, making it possible for more young people than ever to be part of the conversation. Thank you, too, to NFU Mutual for helping fund the Em Gen Tent, and to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the CHK Foundation for their continued belief in and support of Emergent Generation. We simply couldn't do this without you.

Finally, thank you to the entire Groundswell team, the staff, organisers, and volunteers who made the festival such an inspiring and welcoming event. See you again next year?