15 Minutes With...Jamie Fielden of Jamie's Farm

CLA Deputy President Joe Evans sits down with James Fielden, founder of Jamie's Farm, to explore how working farms are transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK.In just 16 years, Jamie's Farm has grown from a pilot project to a national charity operating seven farms, employing nearly 100 people, and impacting almost 20,000 children. Jamie shares the remarkable story of Jack—a boy who came to the farm through foster care and eventually became their first employee who went through the program.The conversation delves into why rural farming environments are uniquely powerful for youth development, offering purpose, belonging, and the dignity of hard work that many urban children have never experienced. Jamie also candidly discusses the economic pressures facing the charity: an £80,000 national insurance hit, housing challenges for staff, and the struggle to maintain funding while demand for their services has never been higher.From regenerative farming practices to the philosophy of "repealing" farms with people, this episode showcases how agriculture can be a force for profound social good—and what barriers need removing to expand this vital work.Visit: jamiesfarm.org.uk