Oxford Farming Conference looks to a sparkling future on its Diamond Jubilee

In January 2006, the 60th Oxford Farming Conference takes the theme of Towards a Sparkling Future with a high profile line-up of speakers.

The full programme will be announced shortly. There will be a glittering array of speakers including the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Richard Harries; and Defra Minister Lord Bach. One session will look at what has been achieved by some of the organisations created by Sir Don Curry's Sustainable Farming Commission. Speakers will include Denis Chamberlain, Chairman of Fresh Start, and Professor Chris Pollock who chairs the Research Priorities Group.

"Oxford is always special, but in this our 60th year the Council has determined it will be an even more special event," says Christopher Monk, Chairman of the 2006 Oxford Farming Conference.

The Oxford Farming Conference debate taking place in the famous Oxford Union debating chamber will address the motion "This House considers that British politicians are neglecting the rural economy" which will be proposed by former Minister of Agriculture, the Rt Hon John Gummer.

The Conference will also feature the less-famous, but no less enthralling "entrepreneurs" drawn from both the UK and Europe who will explain their own secrets of success in a range of farming activities.

Anyone who wants to receive more details or register to receive a programme should go to the Conference website - www.ofc.org.uk