The Sustainable Farming Debate
" Meeting environmental challenges whilst ensuring future profitability and productivity"
A one day conference - Wednesday 5th November 2008
Key info
Conference Venue:
Blenheim Palace
Hospitality Suite
Woodstock
Oxon OX20 1PX (map)
Date: 5th Nov 2008
Cost per delegate:
£249.00 + Vat
EarlyBird Discount: Book before 3oth Sep '08 £199.00 + Vat
Or call us on 01869 347874
to reserve your place or
register interest online
Farming has a powerful influence on the countryside. 90% of UK land area is either woodland or farmland. Whilst regular food supplies are essential to the economy and population the environment has become a vital consideration. Major advances in agricultural technology over the last few decades have led to growing concern about the long term sustainability of traditional agricultural systems.
Agricultural intensification has led to a loss of biodiversity, changes in landscapes, pollution, reduced countryside access, and threatens many important wildlife areas.
Multiple and often conflicting objectives mean the efficient farm manager of the 21st Century has to become a multi talented environmentalist.
Agriculture that is more sympathetic to the environment can contribute towards rural development, flood alleviation, recreation and tourism, as well as economic and other benefits that add to the sustainability of modern day farming.
Traditional farming, integrated and organic farming systems all have their place in meeting this challenge together with economic and community elements which will ensure a more balanced and sustainable existence.
The conference will ensure a lively debate looking at the interaction of various farming methods in meeting agri environmental challenges and will work with delegates to ensure practical solutions to realise their potential in delivering sustainable farming. Case studies and expert opinion will guide participants through the pros and cons of a variety of systems , the practicalities of working within and interacting these methods, grants and funding, and the economic and community dimensions of sustainable farming.
The conference is aimed at:
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Those involved in managing rural businesses from small private farms to large estates
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Those managing the landholdings of public and private institutional bodies
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All farm and estate advisors involved in utility work, nature conservation, and agri-environmental aspects
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This will also be of interest to Professional Advisors working with the agricultural sector:
accountants
solicitors
practising surveyors
land agents
The excellent networking benefits to this sector are extensive and are combined with an opportunity to gain a broad update and hear current argument and thoughts on key policy and endemic issues affecting the countryside today.
Conference schedule
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09.30 -09.35
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Welcome by Chair John F D Hoy, Chief Executive of the Blenheim Estates and the Marlborough Trusts |
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09:35 – 10:15
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The future – the relationship between agriculture and the environment and the implications for farm management
Emiritus Professor Sir John Marsh CBE, President of The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants (BIAC) |
| THE DEBATE | |
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10:15 – 10:50
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Productive Farming – Does it ensure a more balanced existence?
Guy will argue that "productive" agriculture combined with targeted environmental work is the best way to produce food and engender wildlife. Guy agrees that productive agriculture will have to adapt and change to meet the challenges of global warming, peak oil and an expanding population with a changing diet. It will need to do so by being open minded about using new technology. It may also have to revisit some traditional techniques such as better rotations. But one thing is for sure the challenges of the future will not indulge us the luxury of dismissing new ideas on the grounds of ideology or pre-conceived beliefs.
Guy Smith, Wigborough Wick Farm |
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10:50 – 11:05
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Refreshments |
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11:05 – 11:40
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Organic farming - does it tick all the key environmental and health boxes?
Lord Peter Melchett, Policy Director, Soil Association |
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11:40 – 12:15
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Integrated Farm Management - A happy medium?
Sustainable farming conjures up a range of priorities for all of us, but keeping the balance between economic viability, environmental responsibility and social acceptability is at the heart of the work of the organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). Through encouraging the uptake of Integrated Farm Management LEAF has supported many farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices and through LEAF’s work with the demonstration farms and Open Farm Sunday we have built trust and understanding about farming practices among the general public. As we face huge challenges in the future with unprecedented climate change, population growth, food supply and demand balance, LEAF’s work will become increasingly important, ensuring a productive farming system that produces affordable food while protecting and enriching the environment.
Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive, LEAF |
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Q AND A PANEL SESSION – Chaired by John F D Hoy
Guy Smith, Caroline Drummond, Lord Peter Melchett |
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12:30 – 13:30
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Lunch
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13:30 – 14:10
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Is there space for farmland wildlife in a hungry world?
Gareth Morgan Head of Agriculture Policy, RSPB. |
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14:10 – 14:50
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Precision Farming - Is it environmentally and financially rewarding?
Neil Cameron BSc (Hons) MSc |
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14:50 – 15:05
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Refreshments
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15:05 – 15:45
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How will we fund sustainable land management?
For the Food component: at least markets can operate perfectly well for food. The consumer can perfectly well pay for the marketed goods she buys. But does she? What about health and nutrition costs, and environmental costs of consumption choices? Plus there are missing markets and imperfectly operating markets in the food chain.
For the environment: who pays for this? There are several answers: food consumers – in organic, LEAF and other products; environment consumers as entrance fees to nature parks and as subscribers to green organisations; by business to business transfers; by public payment to private land managers; and finally by everyone in the food chain and the enforcement agencies through regulatory costs.
Have we got the mix right? What is the role of the EU budget and CAP in all this?
Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell, Policy Director , Country Land and Business Association (CLA) |
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15:45 – 16:25
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Economic and community dimensions of sustainable farming.
A look at issues related to local foods and diversification of farming activities, and how they contribute to sustainable local rural development. Fordhall, now England’s first community owned farm, is a pioneering example of what can be achieved when people care about the countryside and act upon it. The vision is to show that small-scale farming connected to the community can offer a viable way of life for generations to come.
Charlotte Hollins, Project Director, Fordhall Community Land Initiative |
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16:25 – 16:30
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Roundup and Close by Chair
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16:30 – 17:15
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Guided tour of The Palace - Optional |
