ABOUT ME

I am a UK-based sustainable food and agriculture specialist and agroecological market gardener with three seasons of growing experience.

Prior to that I worked as a sustainability researcher and consultant with large and small businesses in a range of sectors.

Skilled in systems thinking, understanding complexity and communicating simply.

WHAT I DO

GROW

With two seasons’ experience as Head Grower on an organic market garden in Worcestershire, I am skilled at growing vegetables on a commercial scale. My focus is on understanding and regenerating the ecosystem, as well as growing high quality, nutritious food for local communities. I am experienced at implementing a wide range of agroecological practices, for example no dig systems, cover cropping and undersowing, and prioritising diversity.

RESEARCH

Using primary and secondary research methods, I can quickly gain an understanding of the main issues, trends and innovators in a given area of operation. I am an excellent systems thinker, able to quickly understand dynamics and relationships, be that the power structures at play in the global food system, or the link between poorly draining soil and the pest burden on a plot of land.

COMMUNICATE

I can present a large quantity of information in a clear, concise way in a variety of written formats. This includes technical reports, more accessible magazine-style writing, blogs or presentations. I am also experienced at oral presentations of research findings at all stages of a project. I am skilled at tailoring my communication style to a wide range of audiences.
SEE SOME EXAMPLES OF MY WORK

MY EXPERTISE AND HOW I CAN HELP YOU

Combining my knowledge of businesses in the food system with my experience in agriculture and my systems thinking approach gives me a unique ability to help you design your regenerative solutions. I can work across a range of issues in food and agriculture, but my specific areas of expertise are outlined in more detail here:

GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS

I have 5 years’ experience working in food systems, both at national and global levels. This includes a 6-week Masters’ placement at Defra working on long-term food and farming policy in the UK, and multiple research briefs from consultancies working on supply chain initiatives for multinational food and beverage brands. I also helped design a US-based food waste behaviour change campaign.

SUPPLY CHAINS

I am knowledgeable about various types of supply chains, from complex global commodity chains, to direct-to-consumer approaches for small-scale operations. I researched and co-wrote a publication on transparency in fashion supply chains, mapping digital initiatives which are working on the issue. Research for this included speaking to around 25 experts/initiatives in the field. The publication is available to view here.

SOIL HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

I have a good understanding of the soil food web, the interactions between plants and soil life and the impact of various agricultural practices on the soil. I have experience of implementing various agroecological practices and observing their impact on the ecosystem.

COMMUNITIES

I am a firm believer in the power of strong communities for the well-being both of the individuals within them and the societies they sit within. I have worked on projects for large companies which strengthen communities in their supply chains and am passionate about community-focussed food growing initiatives.

I have also been involved in a number of community-focussed events, including being camp lead at Nowhere (European Burning Man) in 2017 and 2019. I spent 5 years living in a communal house in London and am well-informed about the structures necessary to make such a project successful.

I CAN HELP YOU

I'M CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCE WORK

CONTACT ME

WHO I'VE WORKED WITH

I researched and co-wrote a magazine-style publication on digital approaches to supply chain transparency in the fashion industry

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I worked as Martin’s research assistant on some futures news articles looking at the world in 2035

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I worked with GoodBrand for over a year on client projects for Unilever, Danone and Nestle

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I conducted competitor and macro trend analyses and identified opportunities to inform clients’ sustainability strategies

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I led two research projects to help them understand their market, business opportunities and the results of their pilot programmes

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I co-authored a report analysing the terminology and metrics used in social sustainability

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I was a student on their Master's course in 2015-16 and as part of that I undertook a 6-week placement in their Systems Innovation Lab

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I wrote a report on a new French law mandating climate change-related reporting for investors (Master's placement)

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I analysed their end to end waste process and developed recommendations for improvement (Master's placement)

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I researched and drafted a section of the 25 year food and farming plan (Master's placement)

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CONTACT ME

amy@amymason.me