Event will take place in November, with sponsorship from plant breeders Elsoms and Bejo and a gala dinner speech by former England rugby star Tom Youngs
The biennial Onion & Carrot Conference will return to the Leicester Tigers Conference Centre on Thursday 26 November 2026, it has been confirmed.
The British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA) and British Onions Produce Association (BOPA) will once again collaborate to host the event, which includes the conference during the day and gala dinner in the evening.
The conference brings together growers, researchers, agronomists, breeders, suppliers and industry professionals from across the onion and carrot supply chains.
The event provides an opportunity to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations, and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
The gala dinner will feature a talk by former Leicester Tigers and England international rugby player Tom Youngs, who now manages his family’s arable farm in North Norfolk, which also grows vining peas.
He will share stories from his time in professional rugby before speaking about how his life has changed since returning to agriculture.
The conference will also raise funds for Movember, helping to tackle men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
Registration for both the conference and gala dinner is now open, with delegates encouraged to book early.
This year’s sponsors
UK plant breeder Elsoms Seeds and Dutch seed breeding company Bejo are the main sponsors for 2026, alongside other sponsors Hazera UK, BASF Nunhems, Syngenta UK, Infield Innovation, and Allium Crop Solutions.
Chris Bettinson, crop manager at Elsoms, said: “As the UK’s largest independent seed company, we are committed to supporting the long-term success of the onion and carrot sectors through investment in plant breeding innovation, seed treatment technology and active support of the associations that represent growers’ interests.
“Whether through investment in new technologies, strategic research partnerships, or close collaboration with growers, Bejo and Elsoms remain committed to delivering the next generation of varieties and seed technologies helping UK growers meet the current and future challenges.”
Dutch onion grower-processor TOP The Onion Group is sponsoring the gala dinner, alongside other sponsors Stourgarden, Moulton Bulb Co, and Sakata UK.
