Group Facilitation, Systems Strategy
AFN+ FlexFund
Localising a National Agroecology Vision
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Client/Partners:
AFN Network+, FFCC, FoodFutures, Small World Consulting
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Location:
North Lancashire
(UK-wide model adaptation) -
Type of Work:
Group Facilitation, Systems Strategy
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Timeframe:
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025
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Key Outcomes:
Convened 22+ stakeholders across food system.
Developed appetite for a locally adapted agroecology model.
Prepared groundwork for next-phase implementation.
The Context
The Food, Farming & Countryside Commission’s (FFCC) “Farming for Change” report proved agroecology could feed the UK - given key dietary shifts.
The challenge?
Turning that national model into something locally relevant and usable in North Lancashire, where food partnerships, councils, and farmers needed something practical to act on.
The Work
With funding from AFN Network+, Henry led:
A series of exploratory “open conversations” with FFCC, Small World Consulting, UKCEH, and FoodFutures.
Design and facilitation of a non-technical, story-led stakeholder workshop with 22 cross-sector attendees (farmers, councils, conservation orgs, networks).
Mapping of open-source data opportunities for local modelling.
Even when the original model developers (based in France) became unavailable, the process moved forward - grounded in facilitation, not dependency.
The Outcome
Broad consensus that a locally adapted model would be more useful than national equivalents.
Stakeholders expressed desire for accessible, narrative-driven outputs (e.g. case studies, maps).
Recognition that farmers are unlikely to engage with data-heavy reports, but trusted networks (e.g. Pasture for Life, NFFN) could help translate insights.
This laid the foundation for the next phase of work: building a local agroecological map and engaging communities around its implications.
What this project shows
Change happens faster when people feel heard. Facilitation isn’t about meetings - it’s about momentum.
