NEWS
Last week in Western Australia was more than just a conference, it was a celebration of collaboration, learning, and hands-on experiences. The Regenerative Food Systems Conference expanded into a full week of events, offering something for everyone and enabling participants to learn, connect, and be inspired in ways that worked best for them. Over 1,000 people engaged across workshops, farm tours, screenings, and festivals, demonstrating the power of collective action in regenerating landscapes, supporting farmers, and fostering resilient food systems.
The week opened with Joel Williams’ Plant Nutrition Masterclass in Bindoon, where farmers explored nutrient cycling, soil biology, and plant-soil interactions. Attendees gained practical strategies they could implement immediately, enhancing crop quality while building soil health. Joel’s in-depth insights distilled into digestible and actionable strategies meant attendees walked away feeling equipped to fine-tune their approach to plant nutrition, from foliar feeding techniques to nitrogen use efficiency, and the importance of tailoring nutrient applications for maximum impact.
Next, participants toured Haggerty’s Farm in Mollerin, led by Ian, Di, and Matthew Haggerty alongside the Natural Intelligence Farming™️ (NIF) team. Guests experienced first-hand how regenerative practices can produce nutrient-dense food while restoring landscapes. From soil management techniques to biodiversity strategies, the day showcased the practical impact of nature-led approaches on both productivity and ecological balance.
The Regenerative Food Systems Conference itself brought together over 300 participants and 20+ speakers from across Australia and internationally, including First Nations voices. Over two days, discussions spanned soil biology, ecosystem restoration, human wellbeing, and community engagement. Attendees left with tools to apply science, experience, and lived knowledge in ways that promote thriving landscapes, profitable farms, and resilient communities.
In the city, Nourish Perth highlighted the Haggertys’ nutrient-dense produce while fostering conversations on soil health, food quality, and human wellbeing. Speakers (Ian & Di Haggerty, Matt Haggerty, Jill Clapperton, and Max Veenhuyzen) explored the philosophy behind Natural Intelligence Farming, illustrating how regenerative principles extend beyond the farm gate. Guests had the opportunity to taste that story for themselves through delicious food brought to life by the likes of Wild Bakery and Miller & Baker: Regeneratively grown wheat turned into woodfired pizzas, tender lamb cooked into a fragrant Rogan Josh, and even a special edition Little Creatures beer brewed from their barley. To finish, banana bread and cookies captured the simple joy of food grown with care.
‘Roots So Deep’ screenings, hosted by CarbonLink™ in Margaret River and Perth, paired documentary storytelling with expert panel discussions, connecting global regenerative initiatives to local action in WA. Participants gained insight into the systemic shifts needed for resilient, equitable food systems.
Practical learning continued at the Landscape Rehydration Field Day, where Warren Pensini, Lance Mudgway, and agronomist Col Bowey demonstrated how restoring water cycles can enhance both ecological health and farm profitability. Participants saw “double dividend” outcomes, where conservation interventions deliver tangible production benefits alongside environmental restoration. Complete with water infiltration tests, plenty of hole-digging, and in-field Brix testing, it was truly a hands-on day that evidenced Warren’s memorable words from the conference: “I’ve always loved my land, but now I’m really loving my land.” The smile on his face as he unearthed a majorly long, thick chicory taproot was all the proof you needed that the statement was true.
The week concluded with Grounded, Matthew Evans’ festival at Galloway Springs. Over two days of workshops, talks, and immersive experiences paired with food, music, and community engagement, attendees celebrated creativity, shared learning, and the practical application of regenerative principles. The festival provided space for reflection, networking, and planning, leaving participants inspired and energised. From carbon neutral wine chat to muster dog demos, and no-waste breakfasts by the dam to inspiring, gritty truths from chicken producers, Grounded really had the full spectrum of soil, food, and farming covered! It was a joy to watch the connections the bourgeoned at the beginning of the week continue to unfurl in a relaxed, barefoot-friendly environment peppered with equal amounts of science, personal stories, and hands-on experiences. This deeply considered fusion rang true to the missions of so many individuals and organisations in this space and served as a reminder, as put by Liz Brennan at the Regenerative Food Systems Conference, that ‘linking the head, heart, and gut is the key to regenerating our food systems.’
Throughout the week, participants engaged with a wide range of perspectives, from the science of soil biology to First Nations knowledge, from farm-based experimentation to city-based awareness events, highlighting that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential for building resilient food systems. WA’s week of events demonstrated that change is not only possible, but that it’s already happening, with communities and farmers leading the way.
The overarching message was clear: regenerating landscapes, supporting farmers, and fostering human and ecological wellbeing requires diverse approaches, hands-on learning, and shared commitment. Whether through workshops, farm tours, screenings, or festivals, the week illustrated the power of connecting ideas to action and people to each other. By embracing innovative, practical, and holistic approaches, WA continues to grow as a hub for regenerative food systems, offering inspiration and tools to shape a healthier, more resilient future.
These events were supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
