A vision for the future of combinable crops

Every producer would like to own a crystal ball and be able to foretell the future for their farm, no more so than arable farmers who's fortunes have at last taken a turn for the better. But what will the future hold?

NFU has drawn together a panel of experts who can help to put the future for arable production in perspective, investigating climate change, price sustainability and the future shape of the CAP. The NFU East Midlands' annual combinable crops seminar, at 1.30pm on 12 February at the Olde Barn Hotel, Marston, near Grantham, will also host the launch of the national NFU Vision document for the combinable crops sector.

Organiser, NFU regional policy adviser, Simon Fisher, said: "After last year's harvest and the increase in world market prices, many arable producers will be wondering how to best plan for their own businesses. Add to this the need to meet market demands, enhance biodiversity and comply with an increasingly complex regulatory framework, the next ten years for the sector is not straightforward. NFU's Vision document, being launched by national crops board chairman, Arthur Hill, on Tuesday, will focus on achieving a sustainable and professional sector given all the pressures producers face."

The panel of speakers, including NFU's legal chief, Julie Robinson who will speak on the future of the CAP, may have the answers to some key questions.

Practical guidance for farmers on one of the industry's hot topics; adapting to climate change, will be provided by Stephen Ramsden, Associate Professor in Management and Director of Nottingham University farm. And Alastair Dickie, HGCA's director of crop marketing will examine the sustainability of combinable crop prices.

To book places, please contact Laura Harrison at NFU's regional office on 01572 824264 or email laura.harrison@nfu.org.uk, as soon as possible.