Why You Should Join Women in Food and Farming (WiFF)
Jess Clark, MDS Trainee, reflects on her experience attending a Women in Food and Farming (WiFF) sustainability event – and why more women in the industry should get involved.
When you think of agriculture and farming, central London probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind. But on a crisp February evening, just as the sun set over the city, the heart of the food and farming industry gathered inside Savills’ offices on Margaret Street.
This was no ordinary evening. It was a Women in Food and Farming (WiFF) event – a network bringing together women across the food supply chain who are passionate about building a more sustainable, connected future. The topic for the night? A big one:
How do we achieve natural resource management goals while tackling the rising pressures of sustainability across the UK food system?
Arriving with Curiosity (and Nerves)
As a biologist-in-training and someone early in my career, I’ll admit I arrived with a mix of excitement and nerves. Walking into a room full of industry professionals was daunting – but that feeling didn’t last long.
The sound of laughter echoed between conversations, women warmly introduced themselves. I met start-up founders, senior leaders, early-career starters like me, and students. Everyone was welcome. It quickly became clear: this wasn’t just a networking event. It was a space for inspiration, real talk, and genuine connection from those who valued true diversity in perspectives and experiences.
Starting From the Inside Out
With glasses filled and conversations flowing, we turned our attention to the panel discussion to address sustainability in the UK food supply chain.
Before diving into complex sustainability challenges, Caroline Mason – LEAF Trustee and Future Food Movement Coach – did something I’d never experienced at an industry event: she asked us to pause.
Caroline guided us through a short meditation, before reminding us that, as women, we often carry both emotional and intellectual loads – for our families, teams, communities. Her message was simple but powerful: “We can’t show up for work if we don’t show up and take care of ourselves”
Understanding Sustainability – And Its Misunderstandings
The discussion, moderated by Eve Jefford, began with: What are the biggest threats to sustainability today? The answer? It’s complicated.
Water security topped the list. Katie Stein, Senior Rural Researcher at Savills, shared a sobering statistic: “By 2030, the UK will need an extra 5 billion litres of water every day – that’s 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.”
The drivers? Growing food demand and a UK population heading toward 70 million. But the problem isn’t just driven by the magnitude of impact – it’s understanding. About 75% of our needs could be met by green and grey water, but we’re still overly dependent on blue. Why? Lack of awareness, infrastructure, and implementation.
The theme of perceptions directed the conversation towards the concept of sustainability itself as being misunderstood. While the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals offer a helpful framework, they can feel abstract or overwhelming to those working directly with the land.
“We Can’t Be Green If We’re in the Red”
Perhaps the most striking moment of the evening came from a conversation on economic sustainability.
Farmers are being asked to grow more, waste less, improve soil, and hit carbon targets – often without additional income. And the pressure trickles down the chain.
As someone currently seconded at Aldi as a Supply Planner, I have seen this tension. Retailers want full shelves, high quality, and competitive prices. But these pressures inevitably reach the growers – those out in the field, managing crops in increasingly unpredictable conditions.
To truly support sustainability, we need to address fair pricing, long-term planning, and recognising hidden value – such as land stewardship, seasonal labour, and local resilience. Schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer hope, but confidence remains fragile.
The Role of Tech – and Trust
Innovation is booming – from precision breeding to AI-driven supply chains. But uptake remains slow, and data is a major barrier.
During my secondment at Corteva Agriscience, I had the chance to meet farmers and agronomists. Many were curious about biological alternatives, but hesitant. Why? There is simply not enough clear, relevant data.
There’s a tension between cutting-edge agri-tech and regenerative practices – but it shouldn’t be either/or. We need both science and intuition, policy and practicality, soil and software.
So, What’s the Way Forward?
There’s no simple answer. But if the WiFF event proved anything, it’s that collaboration is key.
True change won’t come from a single policy or organisation. It will come from building bridges – putting the right people in the room, even when their priorities differ, and focusing on shared goals.
And that, in many ways, is exactly what WiFF is all about.
Why WiFF Matters
As someone who’s been seconded across both farming and retail, I’ve seen the disconnects – but I’ve also seen the potential.
WiFF has reminded me that there’s a growing network of women ready to challenge norms, ask the hard questions, and co-create practical, lasting solutions. It’s a space where early-career voices are just as valued as experienced ones, and where connection goes far beyond LinkedIn.
If you’re a young woman considering a career in food, farming, or sustainability: get involved.
Whether you’re out in a field, analysing data in a lab, managing supply chains, or shaping policy – your voice is needed. And this community will help you grow it.
👉 Find out more about WiFF and how to join here: Women in Food and Farming Network
LINKS
Website: Women in Food and Farming Network
Join here: Join Free | Women In Food and Farming Network
LinkedIn: Women in Food and Farming | Groups | LinkedIn
My LinkedIn: Jessica Clark | LinkedIn