The Bowler Hat Farmer - Mark Byford

I'm a Dad of 5 plus one who's adopted me and a Grandad of 6, I know I don't look old enough!

My story starts at just 5 years old helping grandad (who handed me down my bowler hat) on the farm with milking cows and sowing seeds.

At 17 I took a degree in agriculture and horticulture which at least proved to me how we shouldn't produce food.

For the last 40 years I've run my fruit and vegetable wholesale business, set up market gardens, run a 12 acre organic farm and been very outspoken about the lack of quality and clarity in the food industry.

Today I'm touring the UK as the Bowler Hat Farmer with my "Folk the System tour".

I've currently spoken at over 50 venues in front of more than 11,000 people, and produced almost 300 videos for our 80,000 followers on social media.

I've launched a website called https://foodfindershub.org to bring farmers and consumers together connecting real people with quality farm food direct from the farm gate.

I've just this week finalised the setup of The Community Interest Foundation CIC. Together with likeminded people we will deliver education and training in growing, cooking, preserving, animal care, baking and butchery to name but a few.

Our aim is simple...to rebuild our very broken food chain one brick at a time while challenging the industry standards and encouraging better health through a real understanding of and what the true nutritional value of food means to your body.