Training & Speaking
I’m on a mission to break down barriers between urban and rural communities, by helping individuals overcome social, geographical or political barriers. I help people step out of their comfort zone, consider fresh perspectives and find their own voice, so they can communicate with confidence beyond the echo chambers. I offer unique perspectives and thought leadership, which has enabled me to speak at conferences and industry events all over the world about a subject rarely acknowledged in modern society – the urban/rural divide.
In 2018, I founded Just Farmers – a groundbreaking communications project for UK agriculture. We are working to build confidence among farmers and growers about talking to the media; while helping journalists and programme makers find independent, authentic voices at the grassroots of food and farming.
Using the training format I developed exclusively for Just Farmers, I now run bespoke Storytelling and Media Education workshops for external clients too. I’ve worked with a wide range of organisations including the Soil Association, Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM), Oxford Farming Conference, Oxford Real Farming Conference, Pasture for Life, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, British Growers, Institute of Chartered Foresters, and many, many more. We have a wide range of media skills in the Just Farmers team, meaning every workshop is different and tailored to our clients’ specific requirements. Here’s a snapshot of what we cover:
- Make Yourself Heard – understanding the news agenda, what makes a story and learning to work constructively with the mainstream media.
- Storytelling & Effective Communication – how to hook your audience, be a ‘good talker’ and get others talking too.
- An Introduction to Radio and/or Podcasting – get up close to the microphone and feel confident about being interviewed or interviewing others.
- How TV is Made – what to expect from a camera crew on location, and get comfortable being filmed.
- Filming on Your Phone – content creation for social media (video, photography or text).
- Take the Fear Out of Writing – finding the right words to tell your story.
- Social Media Surgery – understanding different platforms, and getting the most out of them.
If you would like Just Farmers to run a workshop for your team, send an enquiry via our website or drop me a line and we’ll set up a call: anna@justfarmers.org
I give talks, keynote speeches and have chaired conferences and panel discussions for a wide range of organisations including:
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Food and Land Use Coalition, World Resources Institute, Hay Festival, National Trust, New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Federated Farmers of New Zealand, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC), Farm Retail Association, AnimalhealthEurope, ING Bank, Sentry Farming Conference, Onion and Carrot Conference, Brassica and Leafy Salad Conference, Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) Conference, Farming Connect’s Agri-Academy and Women in Agriculture Forum, National Pig Association, National Sheep Association, Into the Wild Festival, Kite Festival, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Royal Agricultural University, Harper Adams University, Trehane Trust, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, Women in Agriculture Scotland, Communicate: Annual Conference for Environmental Communicators, Royal Welsh Show, Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Abergavenny Food Festival, Montgomery Literature Festival, Planted Country, Cumbria Society, Royal Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth (RASC), Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
If you would like to book me to speak or chair at your event, please email ajnuffield@outlook.com
I’ve spoken at some fantastic events around the country since ‘Divide’ was published in 2022. If you would like me to speak at your event, bookshop or book club, drop me a line on ajnuffield@outlook.com
Testimonials
Edward Davey, Policy and International Engagement Director, Food and Land Use Coalition & Co-Head, World Resources Institute: “Anna Jones is a true gem: a stunningly good journalist and moderator, a kind and caring human being, and an astute commentator and mediator on food, agriculture, and climate.”
Larry Stomprud, President, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association: “Anna was our keynote speaker for the 2017 South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association convention. Months later, I was still receiving accolades from the attendees of her and her presentation. Although seemingly different with the audience in so many ways, her wit, charm, and message connected with the attendees in a way that many professional speakers only aspire to. I highly recommend Anna for speaking engagements. Be prepared to laugh and be challenged.”
Einir Haf Davies, Development and Mentoring Manager, Farming Connect: “Anna is a fantastic public speaker. Each time I’ve heard her speak she has had the audience completely engaged which is why we’ve invited her back again several times. I know people who have heard her speak more than once on the same topic and would still sit and listen to her again and again. She certainly has the ability to inspire and motivate her audience.”
Ian Pigott, Chairman, Sentry Farming Conference: “Anna spoke at the Sentry Conference in 2017. Her presentation contained everything that a good keynote should; case studies, humour, lessons learnt and a clear, eloquent and absorbing delivery. However it was during ‘questions’ that Anna showed her true flair. She challenged the audience’s (somewhat hardened) preconceptions about the media and when her views were disputed she was able to persuade them to think differently. I would highly recommend Anna as a speaker. She has expertise, gravitas, and an engaging style of delivery….what more could you ask for!”
Georgina Crayford, Technical Manager for Pigs at Red Tractor Food Standards: “Anna has been a guest speaker at a number of events we have organised for members of the pig industry. I can recommend her as a fantastic speaker – her presentations are always well put together, informative, engaging and thought-provoking. Anna is adept at handling challenging questions and proficient at stimulating interesting debate and discussion. Highly recommended!”
ANNA JONES 