Enquiry into farming economy

South of England Farming Conference – 13 November 2012.

The Rt Hon Jim Paice MP, former Agriculture Minister will be on the panel

The future economic success of our farmers is more important than ever if we are to meet the global challenges of feeding an ever-increasing population in a world affected by global warming.

At an autumn farming conference in Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, being arranged by the South of England Agricultural Society (SEAS), the question ‘Is the 21st century British Farmer guaranteed prosperity?’ will be debated by experts. The symposium is expected to hear how the government interprets the future role of the farmer.

Issues will be discussed by a panel of eminent speakers and the thought-provoking conference will also take questions from the floor as guests air their views.

The Rt Hon Jim Paice MP and former Agriculture Minister will be on the panel at the evening event on Tuesday 13 November. It’s being staged by the regional society which represents farmers and growers in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, at a time when many are facing a real threat to their livelihoods. The MP will be joined by Professor Philip Stott, Emeritus Professor of bio-geography at the University of London; and Andy Robertson who is the newly appointed Director General of the National Farmers Union – so a lively discussion is assured.

The former Defra minister has farming in his blood, studying at Writtle before an early career in farm management and being an active member of the Young Farmers movement where he represented the UK on the European Council of Young Farmers. Now, as MP for south-east Cambridgeshire, where he part-owns a farm, in 2010 he established the Farming Regulation Task Force, asking independent professionals to advise the government on a new approach for regulation.

“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 grand 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”, he added.

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