I have worked for almost 4 decades on sustainable (organic, agrecological, permaculture, biodynamic) agriculture and food security applied research and development, specialising in building the capacity and resilience of vulnerable communities to natural and man-made disasters, and regeneration of the natural resource base. Sectoral experience covers production and postharvest, agroforestry, food supply and distribution systems, urban agriculture and nutrition, organic and fair trade, bioregional development, research, extension and knowledge systems, and farmer livelihood strategies. I have institutional experience of the United Nations – FAO, IFAD, WB; the EU; the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) – CIP, ICRAF; UK government departments of DEFRA and DFID; and the private and non-governmental sectors. Specific country experience in Europe – UK, Netherlands and Spain; Central and South America – Peru, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Jamaica; Asia – Afghanistan, China, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia; Africa – Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa. 

I currently lead a research cluster on Environmental Practices, Agroecology and Health.  This transdisciplinary cluster conducts conceptual, empirical and applied research into how environmental practices, particularly those linked with agroecology, interact with human health at different scales.

I have instigated, developed and lead two cutting-edge, international research programmes:

 Research Programme 1:  Subtle Agroecologies, 2016 - present.  

This new discipline focuses on the invisible dimension of nature in relation to agriculture. It is exploratory, whilst drawing from indigenous practises as well as those from biodynamic farming systems. Developed the ontological, epistemological and axiological basis for this nexus of sustainable agriculture, indigenous studies, transpersonal psychology and complementary medicine. 

Research Programme 2: Farming and Food Systems Transitions in Cuba, 1998-20018  Commencing with my doctoral research through the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, this programme aimed to build global understanding on the challenges and opportunities of attempting a transition to a low fossil fuel, ecological food and farming system at a national scale. Taking an inductive approach through the lived experiences of everyday Cuba, it challenged some of the myths and misperceptions surrounding both this nation and the subject matter.

Ultimately food and farming research becomes a study of humanity. If we keep at it, and don't  let ourselves get stuck on one particular issue or belief, then we are drawn to the bigger existential questions, and also drawn into a deeper connection with nature. As Buckminster Fuller pointed out, the environmental movement only exists as long as we see nature as being separate from ourselves. For once we recognise that our environment is a reflection of, and part of, ourselves, and that it is conscious, then we would treat the rest of nature very differently. My research vision is to have fun exploring this, with like minded people.