Oxford Farming Conference 2008 – Climate change, food production and welfare dominate

The Oxford Farming Conference 2008 attracted its usual diverse range of subjects. From climate change and food production to welfare and the environment, Farmers Weekly was there to report their views. To see our picture gallery of the Oxford Farming Conference 2008, click here.

McDonald’s chief executive Steven Easterbrook told the Oxford Farming Conference that sustainability, animal welfare and offering “good food at affordable prices” would be the the driving forces in future food production. And DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn used his inaugural speech to the conference to promote a vision of a prosperous future for the industry. Mr Benn added that rising prices, a growing world population, increased pressure on land and the threat of dangerous climate change would all present challenges and opportunities to farmers.

OXFORD FARMING CONFERENCE

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The French meanwhile have farm subsidies in their sights, according to Conservative MEP Neil Parish. He reported to delegates that momentum was beginning to build within the European Parliament for the European Union to continue to give financial support to agriculture after the current arrangements end in 2013.