Broadcaster Tom Heap hosts NFS debate

The broadcaster and writer Tom Heap will be chairing a debate on Farming for the Environment at The National Fruit Show (NFS) at the Kent County Showground, Detling, next week (2 November).

The debate, part of the Rural Policy Group Red Talks, is sponsored by MHA and is scheduled at 2pm-3.15pm.

Taking part in the debate are Emily O’Brien, food and agriculture spokesperson for The Green Party; Clarke Willis MBE, director of the Norfolk Food Enterprise Park; Philippe Binard, secretary general, The World Apple and Pear Association; Dr Trisha Toop, chief technical officer Agri-Epi; Sarah Dodds, head of agriculture and partner at MHA; Joe Spencer, partner at MHA; and Jose De Mayne Hopkins head of technical sustainability & ESG compliance and reporting at MHA.

Sarah Calcutt, executive chair of The National Fruit Show, which is organised by the Marden Fruit Show Society CIO, said: “We are delighted Tom is visiting the show and chairing a very important industry-wide debate looking at one of the key challenges for all involved in horticulture and farming. This promises to be an informative and lively discussion and we look forward to hearing from our experts as well as those involved with fruit growing.

“Along with Tom we have a fantastic panel of speakers. During the two days of the show, we are joined by several important industry leaders and experts with a full programme of technical talks, organised by Growing Kent & Medway and the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. We look forward to welcoming those involved in British fruit growing, the businesses they supply to and the businesses who support horticulture and farming.”

The National Fruit Show is free to attend and you can register a place at https://nationalfruitshow.org.uk/visit/. To register for the Farming for the Environment talk, go to https://ruralpolicygroup.com/future_red_talk/farming-for-the-environment/

Now entering its 89th year and dedicated to showcasing the British top and soft fruit, the National Fruit Show is the show ‘by growers for growers’. Also new for 2022 is a focus on soft fruit at the show, including a new soft fruit technical forum. More information about the National Fruit Show and the education programme can be found at https://nationalfruitshow.org.uk/nfs-education/

Tom Heap is a broadcaster and writer specialising in the environment, farming, and science. He has been a regular presenter on ‘Countryfile’ and BBC Radio’s ‘Costing the Earth’ for more than a decade. He also hosts the ‘Weekly Climate Show’ on Sky News.