Oxford Farming Conference Emerging Leaders Podcast

In this special interview,  Co-founder and CEO of First Love Foundation, and National Food Strategy Advisory panel member, Denise Bentley and OFC Co-Chair Sarah Mukherjee reflect on First Love Foundation’s inspiring approach to tackle hunger and poverty, the wider societal and policy factors, and the role of the farming sector in overcoming these challenges and building resilience. The Covid-19 pandemic saw a dramatic 320% increase in the number of people seeking help from the organisation. Denise recognises that eliminating poverty cannot be achieved alone, and the UK-wide systemic change, that has already helped to bring about a shift in various areas, is still very much what is needed. She also talks about the pivotal role that farmers and the wider industry have to play in solving poverty. Through the establishment of networks between farmers and communities, and continued work in building resilience in the person’s life, the vision would be for all members of society, in crisis or not, to have the means