Hannah Norman

• After a successful career in project and events management, Hannah changed to working in the food and farming sector, initially focusing on sustainable food production and horticulture.  In 2016 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, spending three months in the USA researching urban food production and local supply chains, broadening her understanding of innovative approaches to sustainable food systems. 

• Returning to the UK, Hannah gained valuable practical experience as an assistant grower on a successful organic farm while completing the Soil Association Future Growers Programme, designed to support new entrants into commercial horticulture. 

• As Farming Connect's former Horticulture Sector Officer, Hannah supported farmers, growers and new entrants looking to establish, diversify or expand commercial fruit, vegetable and herb enterprises. She helped businesses improve resilience and profitability while adopting environmentally sustainable production methods. 

• She has led numerous on-farm innovation projects through Farming Connect's Our Farms and Try Out Fund programmes, covering topics including micro-diversification, intercropping, integrated pest management and sustainable growing techniques. She has also developed and facilitated technical networks, study visits, workshops and knowledge exchange activities, enabling growers to learn from one another and adopt new ideas with confidence. 

• Hannah also manages a not-for-profit community garden organisation in the Swansea Valley, promoting education, health and wellbeing through nature-based activities. 

• A passionate advocate of local food systems, Hannah has strong networks across the horticulture sector and has worked closely with growers and public sector organisations to create opportunities for sustainably produced local food within schools, hospitals and other public sector supply chains. 

• As an Agrisgôp leader, Hannah enjoys bringing people together to explore opportunities, share experiences and challenge established ways of thinking.  

"The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together to share their challenges and opportunities. Agrisgôp gives members the time and space to think differently, learn from each other and turn good ideas into achievable actions." 

Relevant experience, skills and qualifications 

• 2023 – 2026 Horticulture Sector Officer, Farming Connect 

• Over 10 years' experience supporting horticulture businesses, new entrants, diversification, organic production and sustainable supply chains through Farming Connect, the Soil Association, Lantra and Food Centre Wales 

• 2016 – Churchill Fellowship (Environment): Urban Food Production and Local Supply Chains 

• Recipient of SXSW Eco Innovation Grant, Austin, Texas, USA 

• Hydroponics Short Course – Humble by Nature 

• Soil Association Future Growers Programme 

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture 

• Action Learning Set Facilitation Training – Koreo