English 
Today is an exciting day for agroecological training opportunities in the UK, as we proudly launch The Agroecology Learning Collective (TALC), 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.
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.
New entrants face many barriers to starting a career in agroecology here in the UK. Entry routes and career progression are far from standardised and although the diversity this offers is valuable, it does make it difficult for (potential) new entrants to understand what training, skills and experience might be required, or can be accessed, or what options and support is available at different stages of a career in agroecology. “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.
“During this time of rapid transitions in farming towards agroecological and regenerative systems, there is a crucial need for training and knowledge sharing opportunities”
Rachel Phillips from Apricot Centre.
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 promote agroecology as a career.
Joining us in this new collective are the Sustainable Food Trust, The Real Farming Trust, The Apricot Centre, Organic Research Centre, Agricology, Black Mountain College a Sustain.
“There is magic in the origin story of TALC; many conversations with multiples of people passionate about transforming the landbased training landscape created the vision, formed our aims and objectives and led us to where we are now.”
Hatty Richards, Landworkers Alliance
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 an agroecological 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 in the early stages of development, but ambitions are big. TALC is striving to be an authority in the sector, stimulating the development of new training, ensuring equitable access and building networks of trainers across the farming sector. As a collective, we want to be the go-to place for information on agroecology learning opportunities to support a resilient transition to an agroecological future.
“TALC is stepping out on the first part of its journey to create an ecosystem of knowledge seekers and knowledge providers” says Matt Smee from Organic Research Centre, “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. 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.”
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. The Apricot Centre’s 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.”
As we move forwards our aim is to build the collective, working collaboratively to promote agroecology and build the case for the need for investment in training. We want to stimulate and support the development of new courses which help fill gaps in training provision and collaborate on strategies which enable equitable access to training.
We need the knowledge, skill and passion of people involved in the agroecological landwork and training in order to achieve these aims. TALC is a way for us to join the dots, come together and use our collective power to build on our strengths and make change.
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/
