July 08, 2026

264: Mark Byford – The Bowler Hat Farmer

2 hours

Mark Byford

Mark Byford, the Bowler Hat Farmer, spent eight months and 12,500 miles touring the UK to meet the farmers, growers and producers fighting to bring real food back to our plates. He talks to Jackie about why 72% of our food is now imported, how farmers can turn a loss-making acre into a £30,000 one, and why eating seasonally and buying local could save British farming.

Key Quote

“We’re at that one minute to midnight. The clock’s either going to go one way or the other. If we don’t wake up very quick, we’re never going to see real food again.”

— Mark Byford, The Bowler Hat Farmer

About Mark Byford

“Hi I’m Mark the Bowler Hat Farmer I’ve spent the past two years traveling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, visiting organic farms across the UK to explore innovative farming strategies. My passion for chemical-free food and sustainability.”

Mark’s Top Tips

Look after people on the way up, because you’ll need them on the way down. — advice Mark got from his old boss, Victor Kiam.

“I’d rather earn 1% of 100 people’s efforts than 100% of my own.” — a quote from John Kalench that shaped how Mark thinks about collective change.

Find out what makes you tick, then do good with that knowledge — Mark recommends reading The Secret.

Watch the film Pay It Forward — Mark calls it the most life-changing film he’s seen; the idea being that doing good for others comes back around.

Resources Mentioned

The Secret (book): https://amzn.to/4wpzXVx

Pay It Forward (film): https://amzn.to/4vLy8SN

Casswell’s Eco Green Compost: https://ecogreencompost.co.uk/

MAD (composting consultancy)

Caithness Polyrooms: https://caithnesspolyrooms.co.uk/

Organity: https://organity.co.uk/

The Good Food Project: https://www.goodfoodproject.co.uk/

Riverford: https://www.riverford.co.uk/

Roger Meacock (holistic vet): https://naturalhealingsolutions.co.uk/

Sunshine and Green (Greg’s farm)

No Farmers No Food (campaign)

Connect with Mark Byford

Website: foodfindershub.org

2nd Website: fftradio.com

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/thebowlerhatfarmer

The Fabulously Keto Diet & Lifestyle Journal: A 12-week journal to support new habits – Jackie Fletcher

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Music by Bob Collum

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