Debating the future of farming will be at the core of the free conferences at this year’s Royal Show, taking place from July 1-4 2007 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.
The conference programme comprises daily seminars, delivering over 20 speakers from numerous market sectors who will be exploring a variety of topics from sustainable energy to biofuels, public sector food procurement to the challenge of engaging young people in British farming, according to organisers.
The programme kicks off on July 1 with an international day. This is set to provide a global perspective on the biofuels debate and present the specific opportunities for British arable farmers. Chaired by the BBC rural affairs correspondent Tom Heap, speakers will include Bob Saunders of BP, Jonathan Nash, mc of Saab Great Britain and John Reynolds of North East Biofuels.
The programme on Tuesday July 3 features speakers discussing public sector food procurement opportunities for British farmers. Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher of CLA, Tully Wakeman from the East Anglia Food Link and Michael Holmes of the Public Sector Procurement Service will provide insights into this topic while Jeremy Pope from English Food & Farming Partnerships (EFFP) chairs the discussion.
Wednesday July 4 sees the managing director of Waitrose, Mark Price, engaging in debate with Colin MacEwan of The Arable Group (TAG) and Martin Redfearn from Barclay’s bank, over the leaders of the future. Co-partnered by Fresh Start and Barclay’s Bank, the discussion will explore what supermarkets are looking for in young, entrepreneurial farm suppliers and how to create opportunities for young people to take an active role in family-run farms and agricultural businesses.
No comments yet