Held at Sparsholt College to a standing room only audience, the fourth annual Hampshire Farming Conference proved to be an enormous success. With eight high calibre speakers covering the hot topics of Hampshire agriculture, there was something for everyone who attended.
The major conclusion was that despite the challenges faced, things are definitely looking more positive for farmers, particularly those in the arable sector.
The two main topics addressed at the conference were animal disease and future food supplies. There was a great deal of debate as the audience discussed what had been learned from previous disease outbreaks and the improvements that continue to be made, both in disease prevention technology and in the actual government infrastructure put in place to respond to outbreaks.
The other major point of debate was the anticipated food shortages of the future. It became clear that the use of genetically modified crops may be inevitable.There were also presentations about the opportunities for the production of bio-energy and opportunities to supply local markets.
William White, Regional Director for the National Farmers Union then chaired an intensive question and answer session which allowed the audience an opportunity to debate the main messages of the conference and discuss what was needed to meet the challenges that were presented by each of the speakers.
The event was organised in partnership by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Economic Partnership with sponsorship provided by Strutt and Parker, Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, Business Link Wessex and Clydesdale Bank. Following the presentations, there was a Hampshire Fare lunch buffet which provided an ideal opportunity to discuss the results of the event.
“There is no doubt that this year’s conference was more successful than ever before and it is evident that it continues to gain momentum,” stated Robert Benford, chair of the HEP Rural Economy Task Group.
He said, “It is encouraging to see how much better the industry overall is faring and to see a much more positive outlook for the rural economy than we have seen for some time. Obviously we are facing some challenges in the future, but if we start addressing them now, things will continue to improve.”
All the presentations from the Farming Conference are available to download from the Hampshire County Council website.
For more information contact:
Hampshire Economic Partnership
2 Venture Road
Southampton, Hampshire SO16 7NP
Tel: 02380 768833
Email: danielle.evans@hep.uk.com
