Industry-leading speakers have been confirmed for the next Norfolk Farming Conference, which takes place on 12 February 2015.
The 2015 conference line-up was officially announced at a launch lunch at Birketts Solicitors in Norwich on Friday 10 October.
The keynote speaker at the conference, which takes place at the John Innes Conference Centre near Norwich, will be Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss MP.
Peter Kendall, chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), will also be speaking at the conference. The former president of the NFU farms 620ha in East Bedfordshire.
The latest update on CAP reform and its impact on farmers in the UK will be discussed by NFU Director of Policy, Andrew Clark.
Delegates will also hear from Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech East, who will discuss the work of the innovation cluster and how it is ensuring that technology is being developed to best meet the needs of farmers.
AF chairman Kit Papworth, who is currently working towards a Nuffield Scholarship, will update delegates on his research so far and what he has learnt from visiting co-operatives around the world.
Suzie Emmett, Creative Director of Green Shoots Productions, will challenge farmers to assess their own business requirements to be ready for the future.
The conference will once again be chaired by Essex farmer Guy Smith, who is now vice president of the NFU.
The event will also feature video presentations and a questions and answer session with innovative farming businesses including contractor Oliver Arnold, robotic dairy operator Emily Norton and pig farmer Tom Wright.
AF chief executive Clarke Willis, chairman of the conference organising committee, said: “We’re delighted to announce such a dynamic and high-profile programme of speakers for the 2015 conference.
“The Norfolk Farming Conference has become a key fixture on the industry calendar and gives farmers the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and their peers.”
The Norfolk Farming Conference takes place at the John Innes Conference Centre in Norwich from 9.15am on 12 February.
