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LEAF announces three new initiatives to accelerate global uptake of sustainable farming

Three major new initiatives announced at the LEAF annual conference to accelerate the transition to more sustainable farming

Home / News & Events / News & Updates / LEAF announces three new initiatives to accelerate global uptake of sustainable farming

We announced three major new initiatives at our annual conference on the 29th January 2026, designed to accelerate the transition to more sustainable farming, spanning education, skills and data-driven innovation.

  • The launch of the LEAF Regen Academy as a global, farm led knowledge exchange focused on the practical application of regenerative principles in differing farm contexts.
  • The development of land-based college courses that will drive scaled and systemic engagement with Integrated Farm Management at its core.
  • Pioneering research into the use of AI to support farmers in the drive to adopting more sustainable practices.

Regenerative transition  LEAF trustee and farmer, Johnny Wake explained the ambition behind the creation of the LEAF Regen Academy: “We are building a community-led platform focused on application, evidence and learning – rather than advocacy – helping farmers explore regenerative practices in ways that work for their businesses.”

The development of the global Academy will involve input from LEAF members and the wider agricultural community, ensuring that resources reflect real-world farming systems rather than prescriptive models.

Forging connections - embedding sustainability in education

In partnership with Lantra, LEAF will co-develop Integrated Farm Management courses that equip the next generation with the skills to drive more resilient and sustainable farming systems, meeting both student and employer needs. 

Harnessing data 

In response to the opportunities afforded by new technologies, LEAF announced a three-year, industry-focused research project with Hutchinsons. Working in partnership with academic specialists at the University of Cambridge, the project will focus on improving agricultural performance through AI-driven advice to deliver profitable, productive and environmentally restorative farming system.

Read the full press release here