Thanks to farmers ‘ protests, food security and production in the UK are in the spotlight. Among the loudest voices for policy change and support for horticulture is Jo Poulton, a grower whose dream is thriving national production.
“If we want to be food secure, farmers, growers and producers must be financially secure. We need visionary, radical policies ensuring people aren’t just surviving but thriving.”
Jo’s growing journey spans the United Kingdom. Her training began with Newton Rigg and Growing Well in Cumbria, opening her eyes to horticulture’s therapeutic benefits and community connections. That same year, she joined the Farm Start training programme at Plot North Lancashire, filling her week with round-the-clock vegetable production. Next came the wonderful experience of learning from women running Vista Veg in Eden Valley (now called Home Grown Here), where they delivered up to 200 veg bags weekly to the local households. This experience taught Jo the intricacies of planting an asparagus crown and pruning an apple tree and the deep wisdom of women who work the land.
Jo finds brassicas fascinating. Sturdy stems emerge from tiny seeds, a testament to their incredible resilience.
“Plants just want to grow, and it’s our job to make the best conditions for them,” she says.
This philosophy extends to growers and food producers—passionate, skilled people who often struggle financially. She launched a basic income for farmers campaign, lobbying the government for guaranteed regular cash payments to help the farming sector survive.
All future turbulent events, whether climate or economic, will connect to land and food production capabilities. Jo wants farmers to survive, just as she wants every seed to thrive, creating strong connections between farmers and communities. She introduced me to the National Food Service, which provides income for agricultural workers while helping procurement systems utilise local, regenerative produce for institutions like schools and prisons. Simply put, it’s about growing and farming with stability.
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Jo Poulton is among the many voices drawing attention to food security and production in the UK. Like plants, she wants farmers not only to survive but thrive.
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