Norfolk conference gives latest on CAP reform

Along with the usual sound advice on markets and studies of entrepreneurial young farmers, the Norfolk Farming Conference also promises to give delegates the latest on CAP Reform.

NFC chairman Guy Smith said: "Love it or loathe it, the CAP plays a key role in most farm businesses and this year’s conference provides an opportunity to glimpse where it might be heading."

With the overall theme, ’Farming: a supported future?’, keynote speaker Jim Paice - Minister of State for Agriculture and Food and MP for South East Cambridgeshire - will set the scene.

"We are delighted to have Jim Paice opening this year’s conference," said Guy Smith. "Not only does Jim have his roots in East Anglian agriculture, he is speaking at a significant moment as the government formulates its approach to the next round of CAP Reform. His insight should complement well the conference’s afternoon session where the audience gets a chance to listen to and quiz key players who seek to influence both the government and the commission."

On behalf of the sponsors, Charles Whitaker of Brown & Co, raises other important issues for the conference: "Coming at a time when cereal and oilseed prices have doubled within the last 6 months; while sugar beet and potatoes remain close to cost of production and livestock sectors suffer from high feed prices and a retail system that is reluctant to pass increased costs of production to the consumer; the conference has some interesting and difficult and very relevant questions to address for the 2011 production season and beyond."

Tickets for members of Anglia Farmers cost £32.50 + VAT each. For non-members they are £37.50 + VAT per head.