A conversation with
Adam Bedford In the evolving landscape of agriculture, embracing the enigmas of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, we look to both science and practical application to illuminate the path towards a more resilient and flourishing agrifood ecosystem. At the cutting edge of agriculture, food systems, and scientific
After completing his Masters, Bedford embarked on a graduate
research, Adam Bedford and the Enigma Team at Fera Science
scheme with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), engaging
are driving practical change for global good. We sat down with
directly with farmers and the challenges they face, in his role as
Adam to discuss his career and what led him, most recently, to
Food and Farming Advisor.
taking over the helm as Director of Enigma Projects.
From roots to research
His interest in policy and politics were also neatly integrated into his work, as he explored the impact of regulations on agricultural
Adam Bedford’s journey into agriculture was unconventional,
practices. Subsequently, Bedford spent four years in Belgium,
and. despite not coming from a farming background, he recalls
including as Director of the Brussels office, gaining invaluable
a childhood interest in agriculture through an Uncle, (who was a
political insight into agricultural policy and application across the
Shepherd on a hill farm in West Yorkshire). There, during his
UK and Europe. He then came back to the UK and did a further
teenage years, he had a job delivering milk and milking cows on
seven years for the NFU as North East Regional Director.
farm. After school, his fascination with the natural world and agriculture saw him pursue a degree in Sustainable Land Use through Askham Bryan College and Leeds University. This pivotal decision laid the foundation for a career that would merge his passion for agriculture, science, and our collective relationship with the land.
Connecting with Agriculture at NFU Bedford’s interest in rural communities and agriculture led him to undertake a Masters in Rural Development at Newcastle University which allowed him to delve into the various facets of the countryside beyond conventional farming practices. However, his connection to agriculture didn’t stop there. While still a student, Bedford began writing for Farmers Weekly, which he did for several years. He also learned to shear sheep, which he did across the UK to fund his studies.
“Working as closely with farmers as I was with policy makers for almost 15 years at the NFU has given me invaluable experience in how changes in policy and politics play out in practical farming. Understanding the policy side of agriculture also gave me a broader perspective on the wider agri-food industry, and how research and practicality must go hand in hand.”
The Fieldwork Book Club Beyond his professional pursuits, Bedford established the Fieldwork Book Club, a unique platform that unites individuals from farming, academia, politics, and everyday life to discuss literature related to food, farming, and the natural world. What started as a casual New Year’s Eve post on Twitter quickly grew into a thriving book club with over 500 subscribers from around the world.
Perspectives | Autumn 2023
