Herts Flour Co-op

What if a Hertfordshire flour co-operative allowed farmers to earn more for regenerative grain?

What’s the idea?

We could set up a local co-operative that buys grain directly from Hertfordshire farmers growing regeneratively, mills it into flour, and sells it — cutting out the parts of the supply chain that squeeze farmers on price. A guaranteed fair price and a direct route to market could give farmers the confidence to shift towards regenerative methods, while giving bakers and consumers traceable, local, sustainably grown flour.

Why is it needed?

Commodity grain markets pay little attention to how grain is grown, so farmers see few financial rewards for switching to regenerative methods, even though those methods build soil health and long-term resilience. A local co-operative model could offer a fair, guaranteed price and a shorter supply chain, making the switch to regenerative farming a viable business decision rather than a costly gamble.

Where is this already being done?

• Cotswold Grain Partnership — a direct route to market guaranteeing farmers a fair price and stackable premiums for regenerative grain.

• Wildfarmed — a UK-wide regenerative grain and flour brand paying a 25% premium for wheat from advanced regenerative fields.

• Nottingham Mill Co-op — a community flour mill and bakery supporting local grain growers and sustainable growing practices.

Want to help make this happen?

Please get in touch if you're a farmer, baker, or miller, or are in a position to help make this happen.