Former President of the National Farmers Union, Sir Peter Kendall, and former DEFRA Secretary Owen Paterson MP will join the speaker panel at The Arable Event later this month.
Sir Peter, now Chairman of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson have been announced as the latest guests at the event, organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink.
The Arable Event will be held near Weston Park on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border on June 22 and will include a debate on the implications of a potential Brexit – with the important vote being held the following day.
They join Simon Ward, founder and Managing Director of agricultural business consultancy Increment Ltd, to speak about the economic impact on the agricultural community if the UK votes to leave the European Union.
Event organiser Kelly Dolphin said: "We are delighted to announce that Sir Peter and Mr Paterson will join the HSBC speaker panel at The Arable Event.
"Sir Peter was appointed by the Government as the Chairman of the AHDB for a three-year term from April 2014 and sits on a range of bodies in the UK and Europe, making him a perfect choice to speak at the event.
"In addition, he and his brother Richard, farm 620 hectares of crops on the home farm and through agreements operated with four local farmers.
"The farm has evolved over the last 15 years from a very traditional mixed farm to a totally arable unit."
His achievements were recognised in the 2015 New Year's Honours when he became a Knight Bachelor for services to the agricultural industry in England and Wales.
Mr Paterson is has been the MP for North Shropshire since 1997. He was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2010, and two years later was appointed the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The speakers will take part in a question and answer session for delegates who are undecided to help them make up their mind before the vote the following day.
This year’s seed trial plots will be winter cereals and oilseed rape, highlighting which varieties should be considered with the changing climate.
The free day-long programme, organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink, runs from 10am to 5pm.
Established just two years ago, it is becoming one of the most popular arable events in the Midlands attracting more than 750 visitors last year.
Event organiser Kelly Dolphin said: "The implications of the UK leaving the EU is a question on every arable farmer’s mind.
"The panel debate will be interesting and informative and will address the issues that the agricultural community is asking.
"It is particularly timely with the referendum due to take place the next day. There will, of course, be the usual programme of activities to bring arable farmers up to speed on the latest developments in the sector and the chance to meet and make new contacts."
Farmers are being encouraged to register online for quick entrance into the event and to be in with a chance of winning an iPad.
