The 2009 Oxford Farming Conference was held at Oxford University Examination Halls between Monday 5 and Wednesday 7 January.

This year’s conference, “The Future of Farming is in your Hands”, explored how British farmers can respond to global market forces and how they might profit from consumer choice.

It also looked at how differing approaches to food and rural policy will continue to shape agriculture after devolution.

Latest stories from the conference (scroll down for video)

• Renewed focus needed on traditional breeds
  
• Nation backs its farmers in IGD survey
  
• Booker CEO says act fast to beat recession
  
• Animal welfare can boost prices
  
• Recession prompts dairy to change business strategy
  
• Landowners welcome minister’s change of heart
  
• Long-term view suggests higher world commodity prices
  
• Direct payments will remain part of the CAP
  
• Benn tells Oxford: ‘A nonsense that needs to change’
  
• Hilary Benn calls for food labelling shake-up
  
• DEFRA accused of ignoring Scottish agriculture
  
• DEFRA presses for compulsory environmental management on farms

Video from the conference

DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn defends the government’s stance on bovine TB: