South East Future of Farming 2024: Conference returns with top line-up
Exciting mix of speakers will share their farming experiences and advice - with all proceeds to RABI
For the second year, the CLA and Virgin Money are partnering with Plumpton College to host the South East Future of Farming Conference this spring.
Join us for inspiring talks, workshops, networking and food when the conference returns on Thursday 18th April 2024, from 3pm to 7pm.
It will be held at Plumpton College's £10m AgriFood Centre, after the success of the inaugural event last year attracted 175 delegates.
An exciting mix of speakers will share their farming experiences and advice on sustainability and productivity, with the 2024 line-up including:
- Lord Deben, life peer and former environment secretary
- Joe Stanley, Head of Sustainable Farming at the GWCT’s Allerton Project
- Eleanor Gilbert, young farmer and BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion 2022 (aka 'Berkshire Farm Girl' on social media).
- Flavian Obiero, also known as The Kenyan Pig Farmer, a Kenyan-born farmer based in Hampshire.
- Chaired by Emily Norton, farmer and independent rural policy and strategy adviser.
On arrival attendees can also sign up to two of four workshops led by a wide range of speakers and experts.
At a time of so much change in the industry, and with a General Election approaching, we would like to invite farmers, landowners, students and professionals from across the region, to provide inspiration, insight and useful practical takeaways.
CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “The CLA is delighted to be supporting this conference once again, after the success of the inaugural event last year.
“With a general election on the horizon, this is a crucial time for farming and the rural economy. We look forward to hearing from a diverse range of experts and case studies focusing on sustainability and productivity, and demonstrating how British farmers are global leaders.”
'Showcase inspiring stories'
Justin Ellis, Agricultural Business Manager, Virgin Money, said: “Our agricultural industry is operating in one of the most challenging periods for generations. While farmers continue to produce food, there is unprecedented change in climate, policy and consumer attitudes in how we grow, process and market our produce.
“The 2024 Future of Farming conference will showcase inspiring stories of those already showing leadership to help the industry move forwards.”
The main session will be followed by a panel Q+A, chaired by Emily Norton, and breakout workshops.
To conclude the conference there will be the opportunity for delegates to network and enjoy produce from the Plumpton Estate.
Jeremy Kerswell, Principal at Plumpton College, added: “Plumpton has a pivotal role to play in the future of our land-based industries and not only through our training of new entrants, but in our work with existing farmers and landowners.
“We are delighted to be able to build upon last year’s hugely successful conference in our new Agrifood Centre to enable people to come together, share, learn and take away practical solutions for their own businesses.”
Tickets for the conference are £10 with all the proceeds going to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), who exist to provide guidance, practical care, and financial support to those in need within the farming community.