Spring debate puts new era of farm payments at top of agenda
NAVIGATING a new era of environmentally incentivised farm payments is top of the agenda at the Future Farmers of Yorkshire’s Spring Debate.
‘Food and Nature: Finding The Right Balance’ is the timely topic of the annual gathering at Pavilions of Harrogate at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday.
Future Farmers of Yorkshire is supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and is a thriving network of more than 1,000 farmers, vets and other industry professionals.
Registration for the network’s Spring Debate is free and everyone with a stake in British agriculture is welcome. The event starts with supper at 7pm, before the debate begins at 7.30pm.
Nick Grayson, a South Yorkshire tenant farmer and chair of Future Farmers of Yorkshire, said: “There is much to unpick amid concerns about where profitable food production fits in as support payments become more environmentally incentivised.”
A panel of respected industry professionals will be sharing their thoughts on the topic at the Spring Debate and will take part in a question-and-answer session.
The line-up includes Paul Temple, a third-generation tenant farmer from East Yorkshire. A former vice president of the NFU among other highprofile appointments, he is currently vice chair of the Global Farmers Network.
Mike Powley, a third-generation livestock and arable farmer based at Oak House Farm in Green Hammerton will explain how he is embracing regenerative agriculture principles.
Also joining the panel is Bernie Davies, rewilding and regenerative land manager for Denton Park Estate, near Ilkley.
Fiona Tweedie will chair the debate. Having spent seven years as a Yorkshire-based farm business consultant, Ms Tweedie is able to draw on her experiences of providing advice to farmers on conservation, grant schemes, reducing diffuse pollution from agriculture and managing ecosystems on farms.
As well as hearing from an inspiring panel of speakers about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the evening is a sociable occasion.
To join the group, contact: futurefarmers@yas.co.uk