Farmers and farming future to be debated

A debate on whether the 21st century farmer is likely to be guaranteed prosperity will be held at a conference on 13 November at the South of England Agriculture Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex.

The event, to be attended by farmers from Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, will also include discussions on how the government interprets the role of the farmer.
 
Speakers include former agriculture minister Jim Paice MP, Professor Philip Stott, professor of bio-geography at the University of London and Andy Robertson, the newly appointed director general of the NFU.
  
“As agriculture minister, Mr Paice announced a £60 million grant scheme for rural entrepreneurs, so his thoughts will be eagerly awaited”, said the vice-chairman of SEAS, William Goodwin.
 
The grant scheme intends to support five main areas: farm competitiveness, agri-food, tourism, forestry and micro enterprises such as digital media technology and small scale, high value manufacturing.

“Many in the audience will want to know how the scheme will safeguard farming in the rural south east”, Mr Goodwin added.

To book your free place at the autumn conference, contact Wiz Crockford on 01444 892700 or email wiz@seas.org.uk

For more on this topic

New £60m grants scheme to boost farm and rural businesses