Spotlight on sustainable food production and the local supply chain at ‘Croissants & Questions’

On Thursday 29 May 2025, we were thrilled to host our monthly ‘Croissants & Questions’ business breakfast at Farm491, in collaboration with The Growth Hub Cirencester, on the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) campus.

This month we welcomed Annie Landless, Farm & Enterprise Manager at Ampney Brook Farm; Darren Sharp, Executive Head Chef at the RAU; and Rachel Wheatley, Head Grower at FWAG’s GREAT Zerodig site on the RAU campus, as our guest speakers.

With this month’s theme ‘sustainable food production’, their insightful talks exemplified the role and impact of local supply chain within this.

Image of Annie Landless speaking in front of an audience

Annie Landless, Farm & Enterprise Manager at Ampney Brook Farm

Annie offered a compelling perspective from the producer’s side—sharing the realities of raising 100% grass-fed beef, growing heritage grains, and cultivating no-dig fruit and veg. Her passion for high-welfare, nutrient-rich food and her honest reflections on the hurdles of supplying local markets sparked thoughtful questions.

Darren Sharp speaking in front of an audience

Darren Sharp, Executive Head Chef at the RAU

Darren gave a behind-the-scenes look at how he crafts menus, sources ingredients, and serves over 200 covers a day while trying to stay committed to local, sustainable food. From formal dinners to everyday dining, Darren shared the challenges and creativity involved in supporting regional producers, and some perspectives on how this can be simplified in the future.

Portrait of Rachel Wheatley speaking in front of an audience

Rachel Wheatley, Head Grower at FWAG’s GREAT Zerodig site on the RAU campus

After their talks, attendees enjoyed an exclusive tour of the GREAT Zerodig market garden with Rachel. This is a short, scenic walk from the Alliston Centre in which Farm491 and The Growth Hub Cirencester are colocated.

Rachel showcased the transformation of a once-degraded Cotswold brash field into a thriving no-dig market garden. Seeing regenerative principles in action was a powerful reminder of what’s possible with care, knowledge, and collaboration.

Vegetables growing at the GREAT Zerodig market garden on the RAU campus

Our next ‘Croissants & Questions’

Save the date for our next ‘Croissants & Questions’ on Thursday 26 June 2025. Advanced registration will open shortly. Check back on our What’s On page soon to register.

Ahead of the launch of our second Farm491 Challenge Prize, we will hear from last year’s winner and runner-up on how the Prize has positively impacted their regenerative farming and low carbon housing businesses and learn more about regenerative landscapes and carbon-friendly affordable housing.

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