Book online on the Events page of the Farmers Club website http://www.thefarmersclub.com/events/SEMINAR-ARABLE-PRODUCTION-2017
OR use the Application Form enclosed with this Summer issue of the Farmers Club Journal
OR contact Anita Kaur, Administrator 020 7930 3751 events@thefarmersclub.com
AFTER the success of the Farmers Club’s Brexit Debate last April the Club is working with the British Crop Production Council and the Voluntary Initiative to stage a one-day conference to highlight the practical considerations and possible solutions to remaining profitable once farming leaves the CAP.
“Many of you attended the Club’s Brexit Debate last year and while much remains uncertain it’s clear that science and stewardship are key to the success of British arable production as we leave the EU,” says Richard Butler, Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and immediate past Chairman of the Farmers Club.
“It’s unlikely there will be any relaxation in environmental regulations, so I’m delighted the Voluntary Initiative for pesticide stewardship and the British Crop Production Council, who promote science, best practice and innovation in agriculture, have come together with the Farmers Club for this follow-up event to help shape the future of British Agriculture.”
Colin Ruscoe, BCPC Executive Chairman adds: “Farmers, their organisations and suppliers, including the UK’s excellent R&D and educational sectors, must now convince consumers and the UK government that its agricultural industry is worth supporting as the Battle of Brexit gets underway.”
With a title of Arable Production: Science and Compliance Preparing for an Uncertain Future the seminar will be held in the Farmers Suite of the Club. Dress for gentlemen is lounge suit. Cost is £35/head including coffee and lunch, and can be booked on-line or using the Application Form enclosed with this Summer issue of the Farmers Club Journal, or by contacting Anita Kaur, Administrator 020 7930 3751 ext 103 administrator@thefarmersclub.com
PROGRAMME
10:45-11:15 – Registration and Coffee
11:15 Introduction Stephen Howe, British Crop Production Council
11.25 Planning for 2020 and Beyond
Time for change - Will Gemmill, Head of Farming, Strutt&Parker
The economic impact, timescale and implications of Brexit for arable and mixed farming in the UK. How global farming businesses have managed to compete successfully on world markets by changing farming systems and reducing production costs.
DEFRA’s Response to the Brexit Challenge
Mike Rowe, DEFRA Head of Future Farming Policy
It’s less than two years to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the EU so what plans does DEFRA have to support our world leading food and farming industry and sustain a thriving rural economy as farmers battle to remain profitable while protecting the environment?
Political Opportunities for Countryside Management after BREXIT
Julie Girling,MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar
UK Farmers play a key role in shaping and protecting our diverse countryside and landscapes while running complex businesses. It’s a difficult juggling act already but might it all change after the UK leaves the EU?
Reaching out to Global Grain Markets
Cecilia Pryce, Head of Research, Openfield Agriculture
Finding ways to increase the competitiveness of UK wheat and other combinable crops in international markets is likely to become even more challenging. Growing quality crops and full traceability hold the key to success.
12.35 Questions and Discussion
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 Conference Reconvenes
Meeting the Challenge of Brexit – The Farmers’ Perspective
Chairman’s introduction
Richard Butler, Wiltshire arable and dairy farmer, Chairman of The Voluntary Initiative and former Chairman of The Farmers Club, outlines the importance of compliance and the role of The Voluntary Initiative in maintaining water quality and farm profitability.
Profiting from Rotations
Jim Orson, BCPC Board of Management and Independent VI Board Member
Based on his experience gained working alongside the Salle Estates in Norfolk, here’s how science and compliance together with more diverse rotations can help deliver yield increases; improve black-grass control; and reduce a reliance on pesticides.
Profitable Farming while caring for the Environment
Chris Musgrave, Managing Director Musgrave Management Systems
Diversification away from mainstream farming, while taking advantage of various environmental schemes for maximum effect, is helping three estates in the Marlborough Downs area to remain profitable with an emphasis on first wheat production with breaks of spring barley and poppies.
Delivering Environmental Benefits
Andrew Pitts, Northants Farmer
There are valuable lessons to be learned from successful public/private partnerships operating outside of agriculture. Those could be used as a model to help famers maintain financial margins while delivering more focussed environmental benefits. “Carrot” rather than “stick” approaches, where relevant measures and rewards for success, will be essential.
3:30 Discussion
4:00 Close