EPIC aims to show the way to success

“Leading the Way to Success” is the theme of this year’s Egg and Poultry Industry Conference. Poultry World takes a look at what’s on offer.

The UK poultry industry has been enjoying a period of relative prosperity, with both the meat and egg sectors benefitting from strong demand, reasonable input costs and generally favourable trading conditions.

But that is all set to change. The egg market is now in surplus, the threat of poultry imports is growing, the cost of feed is climbing and the recovery in the UK economy looks shaky.

Against this background, there has never been a more important time for stakeholders to arm themselves with the information they need to weather the developing storm.

And what better place to do this than this year’s Egg and Poultry Industry Conference on 7 and 8 November, with its theme Leading the Way to Success.

What’s on the agenda?

Andrew Parker
Andrew has been chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, since 1996. Under his leadership, the BEIC undertook a major upgrade of its Lion Code of Practice, including a hen vaccination programme to ensure the safest possible product. In 1999 egg advertising also returned to TV, for the first time in more than 15 years.

Andrew’s career commenced with Kent Egg Packers in 1958. In 1963 he began work with Stonegate Farmers as a sales assistant, and rose to managing director in 1981. He relinquished his position in 1997, but remained as chairman and chief executive, before retiring in 2001.

James Paice MP
Jim Paice has been the MP for South East Cambridgeshire since 1987, and before joining DEFRA as minister of for food and farming in May 2010, was the opposition spokesman for agriculture.

His portfolio now covers a range of food and farming issues, including cost and responsibility sharing, animal disease, agricultural wages and better regulation.

Jim has a lifelong involvement with farming, having been a key figure in the Young Farmers movement.

Siôn Roberts
Siôn was a founding director of English Farming and Food Partnerships in 2003 and has been its chief executive since its launch. He trained as an economist and has been involved for 20 years in analysing major strategic issues across the farming and food industry.

He started his career as a commodity trader with Bunge in the City of London, then worked as chief economist at the NFU. After leaving the NFU in 2001 he was economic adviser to the Curry Commission, helping to write the final report to government.

Andrew Opie
Andrew heads up the food and consumer policy team at the British Retail Consortium, which covers a wide range of regulatory and policy issues, including food legislation, food safety, the role of supermarkets and consumer law and enforcement.

He liaises with key government departments and agencies in London and Brussels. Andrew has been at the BRC since 2005.

Steve Ellwood
Steve leads Smith and Williamson Corporate Finance’s position in the food and agriculture sector and is adviser to a number of businesses.

Steve joined the firm in 2008, following ten years as head of agriculture at HSBC Bank and has 30 years’ experience as a specialist banker in the food and agriculture sector. He is also chairman of EFFP.

Adam Henson
Adam is a regular presenter on BBC1’s Countryfile programme and recently co-presented BBC2’s Lambing Live, alongside Kate Humble.

Drawing on a wealth of farming knowledge, Adam has presented for Radio Gloucestershire and is a regular contributor to Radio 4’s On Your Farm. He also writes for the monthly Countryfile magazine in his capacity as resident farmer.

Running the Cotswold Farm Park, which pioneers rare breeds, Adam enjoys an in-depth knowledge of British agriculture.

Also addressing the conference will be: Richard Irvine from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, who specialises in avian influenza and Newcastle disease; Prof Colin Spedding, former director of the Centre for Agricultural Strategy and of the Poultry Sector Board of Assured Food Standards; and Nick Kidd of Astrantia Management.

What else is going on

The conference kicks off on Sunday 7 November with a drinks reception in the Cocktail Bar from 6.30pm, followed by a White Meat Supper in the Woodland Suite from 7.30pm. Entertainment provided by comedian Josh Daniels.

The highlight, however, is the Poultry Industry Banquet at 8.15pm on Monday 8 November. Entertainment will be provided by cabaret performer Steve Rawlings and the dinner will also see the presentation of the British Poultry Council/BOCM Pauls Poultry Man/Woman of the Year

Want to attend?

• The conference takes place on 7and 8 November at the Forest of Arden Hotel, Meriden, near Birmingham (postcode CV7 7HR for those with sat navs)
• The basic delegate fee is £201.25, with a charge of £69 for an accompanying partner or spouse. These will increase by 2.5% for registrations after 1 October. Other charges include £23 for the pre-conference drinks, £30 for the White Meat Supper and £60.95 for the Poultry Industry Banquet.
• The easiest way to book is to visit the new EPIC website at www.epiconference.co.uk and download a booking form which can then be emailed to info@epiconference.co.uk. The alternative is to phone Howard Birley on 01480 217318 to request a form.
• Accommodation can be booked at the Forest of Arden Hotel on 01676 522 335, quoting reference EPC to obtain a discount.

What to know more?

The new EPIC website is the place to go, providing all the information you could possibly need about the 2010 event, including directions, booking forms and details of all the speakers, committee members and sponsors. Check it out at www.epiconference.co.uk