Royal Show heralds bright prospects for rural businesses
The Royal Show is on target to deliver one of the best-attended, most feature-packed events of recent years, according to organisers Royal Agricultural Society of England. Interest in the show, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from 1-4 July 2007, reflects the increasing confidence in farming's future, new rural business opportunities and farmers' yearning to explore how to cash in.
Advance ticket sales are selling twice as fast as last year, with keenly-priced family tickets proving especially popular (see www.royalshow.org.uk/tickets for details). Livestock exhibitor numbers are higher – continuing a trend of recent years – and trade stands have also been filling up fast, with some key areas of the showground fully booked for several months. The show also has a number of new exhibitors, partners and sponsors, including the Renewable Energy Association, Saab Great Britain Ltd and Mole Valley Farmers.
"There is a real buzz of optimism around the Royal Show this year," comments executive director Peter Stovold. "It's a reflection of the fact that farming is on the doorstep of change – there really are some concrete, profitable opportunities for go-ahead rural businesses. We've managed to pull these together into cohesive, focused features at this year's show."
Livestock entries are higher, with beef and ridden horse entries looking particularly strong. "We're especially pleased to see poultry numbers back up to full strength – the poultry marquee is a real favourite for visitors, so we're pleased to welcome Britain's feathered finest back to the show after avian flu concerns last year forced us to cancel the live poultry classes."
Trade stand space is also selling well. "The sales team has reported huge interest in exhibiting in our new Profitable Futures(1) feature. This is now all but sold out and we're turning away latecomers. The international area was fully-booked months ago, underlining the Royal as the place UK Farming sets its stall," reports Mr Stovold.
Designed to help farmers turn industry challenges into financial reward, Profitable Futures features six interlinked areas which showcase new opportunities. "Partners in this area include the Food Chain Centre and Renewable Energy Association, who are exhibiting at the Royal for the first time this year. Working with them, National Non-Food Crops Centre, Natural England and Advantage West Midlands, we've managed to bring in a diverse and valuable array of exhibitors, especially in the renewable energy area – this part of the showground will be busy."
With Northeast Biofuels showcasing a biofuel-powered Le Mans racing car, Greenfuels exhibiting an oil press and Manco energy bringing a grain burner, new exhibitors include the Solar Energy Company and bio-energy experts En-Agri.
And issues surrounding climate change are due to take centre stage as the Royal Show again becomes the platform for politicians to set the agenda for British Farming. "It's going to be a busy show for farming leaders – we're expecting big announcements from Defra on climate change, from Levy Boards UK on the future of levy-funded research and marketing, and Conservative MP John Gummer is launching his keenly-awaited Quality of Life Report(2)." The Royal Show attracts more government and shadow cabinet ministers than any other show. This year a new campaign is underway to attract other MPs to the show to improve understanding within Whitehall of rural issues and the challenges facing farming, food and the rural economy(3).
Debating these issues will be the focus of the Royal Show conferences(4) that take place on each day and are free to attend. "We're looking forward to hear Saab Great Britain and BP put their perspective on the biofuels debate on Sunday (1st July), and are delighted to welcome Mole Valley Farmers who have agreed to sponsor Wednesday's (4th July) Leaders of the Future conference," says Mr Stovold.
"It's no surprise that the Royal Show is benefiting from fresh enthusiasm that has come from the current air of optimism and change in the industry. Both the Society and the show have always encouraged innovation, demonstrated best practice and promoted scientific advance. Show visitors have always been the rural innovators – those keen to grasp new opportunities that arise in the rural economy," continues Mr Stovold.
"There has never been a better opportunity to profit from innovation and change, and there is no better event than this year's Royal Show to see how to adapt your business and drive it forward. Innovation and opportunity shine through not only on the trade stands and exhibits, we also champion them through our prestigious awards and showcase them through our well-planned features. I'd challenge any rural entrepreneur to come to this year's Royal Show and not come away with at least one gem of inspiration!"
