Simon Barnes: Shaping a Collaborative Future for UK Food Systems

In this insightful interview, Simon Barnes, Programme Director of Growing Kent & Medway, shares his vision for transforming the UK food system through collaboration, technology, and innovation. Just weeks into his role, Simon discusses the critical challenges of transitioning from carbon-intensive food production to more sustainable systems while maintaining quality and scale.

He highlights Kent's unique position as a "living lab" with its diverse population, proximity to London markets, and existing ecosystem of expertise. Simon emphasizes that solving complex food system challenges requires collaborative environments where technical and business solutions work together to create greater social and environmental outcomes.