We spent the morning touring some of the 900 acres of farm owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. The Highgrove Estate gained full organic status in 1996; the impressive turnaround aside, in an industry perceived to be traditional the forward thinking attitudes were marked; sustainability and innovation going hand in hand.

Sustainability in agriculture is not just about ‘being green’, it’s about survival. Even those farmers who aren’t as forward thinking as those at Highgrove are turning to organic as a cheaper way of life. They can ill-afford the rising prices of oil and pesticides and are contacting the Soil Association for help.

How long will it be before other industries feel the pinch and look for an alternative way of doing things, and realise that sustainability is a viable way forward? The day really emphasised not only that sustainability should be and can be on everyone’s agenda, but that it demands innovation.