I’m absolutely delighted to welcome you to the seventh Wales Real Food and Farming Conference (WRFFC) – a gathering that has become one of the most important moments of the year for anyone passionate about building food and farming systems that are good for both people and planet.
Each year, WRFFC brings together an incredible mix of people — farmers, workers, cooks, bakers, cheesemakers, students, policymakers, community leaders, campaigners, researchers, and many more. What unites everyone here is a shared belief: that by working together, we can transform the way Wales grows, produces, and shares food.
A Space for Connection, Learning, and Inspiration
Changing food and farming systems isn’t easy; it takes dedication, creativity, and a lot of collaboration. That’s why this conference exists: to support and celebrate everyone involved in this work and bring more people in. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing challenges and successes, learning from one another, developing new ideas, and hopefully sparking some fresh inspiration along the way.
WRFFC is also about showcasing what good food and farming looks like in practice – from the soil to the plate. This year, we’re honoured to have the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs opening day one of the conference, and the Future Generations Commissioner opening day two.
A New Collaboration: Communities, Food, and Farming Working Together
For the first time, WRFFC has joined forces with Food Sense Wales in an exciting collaboration that strengthens the connection between farming and the growing network of Food Partnerships across Wales.
Our 2025 theme, “Communities, Food and Farming Working Together,” reflects this partnership — and it’s inspired an amazing line-up of 28 sessions over two days, plus farm visits on day three.
We’ll be diving into everything from regenerative retail to natural medicines, future generation menus to nature finance, weatherproof farming to storytelling in food systems, holistic decision-making to local abattoirs, and school growing projects to tech for sustainable farming. In short — there’s something for everyone.
A Brilliant New Venue: Bridgend College, Pencoed Campus
Each year, the conference travels to a new corner of Wales, and this time we’re thrilled to be hosted by Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus.
The college runs excellent courses in Agriculture and Horticulture, and as part of its ambitious sustainability strategy, it has developed an edible campus — an inspiring example of learning in action. We’re especially excited that Pencoed students will be joining us throughout the conference and offering lunchtime tours of their facilities.
A Huge Thank You
This conference wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and support of so many people. Heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in organising WRFFC, our wonderful hosts at Bridgend College, our volunteers, sponsors, stallholders, speakers, and those who have arranged the farm visits. And of course, thank you to every attendee who has bought a ticket and joined us on this shared journey.
Together, we’re helping to shape a more sustainable, connected, and thriving Welsh food and farming future.
Dr Amber Wheeler
Chairperson
On behalf of the WRFFC Organising Team
CGFFfC - WRFFC 