21/05/2014

It is such a privilege to have been chosen to speak not once, but twice, at this year’s Hay Festival of Literature and Arts. Described by Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind”, it’s a ten-day extravaganza of books, which now also includes film and music too, all held in the staggering beauty of the Brecon Beacons national park.

Hay celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, believing in the power of great ideas to transform our way of thinking. What better backdrop to discuss Farmageddon and the future of our food system.

I’ll be spending two days as Hay debutant:

On Thursday (22^nd May, 1pm), I’ll be taking to the Good Energy stage with National Farmers Union Vice-President, Guy Smith, and rural affairs commentator, Rob Yorke. We’ll be in conversation, discussing whether the ever-pressing demands on farmers to produce more food at reasonable prices mean that factory farming is the answer. No prizes for guessing my take on the question.

On the Friday (23^rd May, 3.45pm), I’ll be on the Elmley Foundation stage where fellow food activist, Rosie Boycott will chair the discussion on Farmageddon and the stories behind the book.

The Telegraph says that this year promises a “thrilling engagement with the world of ideas”. I am delighted that a compassionate world will be part of the festivities.

Perhaps see you there.

To get your copy of ‘Farmageddon: The true cost of cheap meat’, click here.