Farmers feed on new directions

Farmers and growers from across the south and south-east will discuss how the new coalition Government’s policies could affect their livelihoods and the impact of the new administration on food production in the region.

The event on Wednesday 17 November, has been organised by the South of England Agricultural Society but is open to everyone with an interest in the future of farming.

The evening conference, which starts at 6.30pm, is entitled "New Government – New Directions for Farming?" The speakers will be Peter Kendall, NFU President and Allan Buckwell, CLA Policy Director.

Peter Kendall farms in Eyeworth, East Bedfordshire, in partnership with his brother Richard. Peter took a degree in Agricultural Economics at Nottingham University, before returning to the family business in 1984. He was Chairman of NFU Cereals in 2003, before becoming Deputy President in 2004 and President in 2006, and is also a Vice-President of the European farm organisation, COPA. Peter sits on a variety of bodies in the UK and Europe including IGD’s Policy Issues Group.

Allan Buckwell, a former professor of agricultural economics, joined the CLA ten years ago. His role is to co-ordinate all aspects of land use policy and land use advice to members covering agriculture, forestry, environment and water.

He is also Chairman of the policy group of the European Landowners’ Organisation covering all 27 EU member states.

Entry is free of charge, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mayo Wynne Baxter and Lloyds TSB Agriculture.