There was strong attendance from EFG members from across the country at this year’s AGM in Oxfordshire (5th February 2026), held at a central location to accommodate representatives from all EFG areas.
The AGM was opened with a welcome from Chairman Rob Shepherd, followed by a business update by EFG’s Managing Director, Digby Sowerby. Digby gave an update on legislative changes affecting BNG and Nutrient Neutrality. He went on to governance matters and shared that membership subscriptions would remain unchanged for the third year in a row. Digby summarised with the priorities for 2026: registering supply projects & trading, getting members into soil carbon projects and building an investment proposition for members.
Providing an environmental update, Teresa Dent CBE spoke on how the Hampshire Avon Conservation Plan is helping to demonstrate that EFG members can achieve meaningful targets for nature. Attention is now turning to how this substantial body of work can be used most effectively, positioning conservation plans not only as delivery frameworks, but as clear investment propositions capable of unlocking funding and accelerating project delivery.
NCA’s Commercial Officer, Tom Vacher, delivered a trading update and put emphasis on maximising returns for every member of the cooperative. Demand for Biodiversity Units and nutrient neutrality credits throughout 2025 has outstripped supply. The greatest volume demanded has come from strategic enquiries to deliver utility or Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). EFG has adopted more flexible agreements to meet this demand. Tom stressed that targeted supply delivered at scale is now critical, with greater opportunity for members who are ready to bring forward well-defined projects aligned to market demand.
Looking ahead, carbon and voluntary markets represent important growth areas alongside statutory trades, but converting these opportunities into income will depend on farmers actively engaging and supplying projects that meet buyer requirements.
EFG’s Membership Director, Colin Smart, highlighted the growing value of EFG as a trusted and reliable partner for farmers. Scale, as ever, remains vital to the cooperative’s strength. However, EFG is ensuring that new areas wishing to join are financially secure, for example, the new North York Moors group joining in April 2026. The transition from sponsorship to longer-term partnerships reflects the increasing maturity of the organisation.
The keynote speaker was Lord Deben (John Gummer), former chair of the UK Climate Change Committee and former Secretary of State for the Environment. Lord Deben stated that farming will sit at the heart of many global challenges over the next two decades as climate change increasingly impacts food production. He encouraged the farming sector to improve how it communicates the importance of its role to the urban majority, while keeping the three principles of farming front of mind: producing food, protecting the environment, and ensuring farm businesses remain profitable. Generational change, he suggested, will play a defining and positive role as pressures on the food supply intensify.
A panel discussion was then chaired by NCA MD Christopher Sparrow, featuring Andy Creak (Kana Earth), Eleanor Deeley (Deeley Group), David Wright (Ecometric), Luke Baldwin (Nature Broking), JakeMcNaugton (Regenerate Outcomes), and Robert Stent (Test & Itchen EFG Member). The conversation explored what buyers and investors require from natural capital projects, with credibility, clarity and deliverability emerging as consistent themes. Speakers highlighted the significant growth potential of the sector, provided projects are supported by robust data, transparent verification and strong due diligence to reduce reputational risk. Developers stressed the need for reliable partners capable of supplying high-quality, ready-to-go units, while discussions acknowledged ongoing skepticism around carbon markets and the importance of strengthening their credibility and marketability. The panel reinforced that farmers are uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes, but that targeted, investment-ready supply, supported by clear and credible methods, will be essential to unlocking opportunity at scale.
Closing the meeting, EFG Chairman Rob Shepherd reflected on the complexity of a rapidly evolving market and the vital role EFG plays in connecting its many moving parts, helping to make participation simpler and more effective for members. He reminded attendees that the cooperative ultimately belongs to its farmers, thanking them for their continued support and engagement.
The AGM provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, test ideas and look ahead with confidence as EFG continues working to create targeted, investable opportunities that deliver both environmental impact and fair financial returns for its members.
EFG is encouraging Expressions of Interest to now become full members. 2026 membership renewals will be sent out in April, please do get in touch with efg@gwct.org.uk for further membership information.