The South of England Agricultural Society's 2024 Farming Conference will take place on Wednesday 13th November
The South of England Agricultural Society's 2024 Farming Conference will take place on Wednesday 13th November, at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West SussexIt will address the question, ‘What is our land for?'
This year's event, which will take place in person and online, will be led by Charlotte Smith, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Farming TodayIt will feature an in-depth discussion with a panel of distinguished guests, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities related to land use in the South East of EnglandAs always, the conference will conclude with a Q&A session, providing ample time for audience interaction and debate
Talking about this year's subject, Duncan Rawson, a Nuffield Scholar sponsored by the Society, and chair of the conference organising committee, said: "The South East of England is a microcosm of the broader issues facing the UKIt encompasses bustling urban centres, vast agricultural lands, and areas of significant natural beauty and biodiversity
"The land here supports a high population density, a robust economy, and crucial infrastructureHowever, this also brings challenges such as housing shortages, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate changeMoreover, the region's agricultural land is often of marginal quality, which poses significant challenges for profitable food production when we see increasing pressure on the land and decreasing government support for agricultureThis reality compels us to consider whether the focus should shift from food production to enhancing environmental and biodiversity outcomesWhether we should embrace the relentless tide of commercial development or resist it at all costsWhere does the balance lie? What is our land for?"
Discussing this vital question will be a distinguished panel of leaders in their fields - Paul Christian, Managing Director of Sentry; Tom Heap, journalist and author; Tim Slaney, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the South Downs National Park Authority; and Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Iford Estate
- Paul Christian: Paul leads Sentry, an employee-owned farming and advisory business specialising in rural asset management, contract farming and management services for private and corporate landownersOperating nationally, covering 23,000 hectares of land, producing 200,000 tonnes of produce annually and providing additional management and advisory services across 40,000 hectares for clients and associatesPaul is a passionate advocate for local food production
- Tom Heap: Tom is a regular presenter on BBC1's Countryfile, specialising in the more investigative films, and has made many BBC Panorama documentaries on food, energy and the environmentTom is also the presenter of Radio 4's new Rare Earth series and was the anchor of The Climate Show on Sky NewsHe was the creator and presenter of BBC Radio's flagship climate change podcast, '39 Ways to Save the Planet'His latest book is ‘Land Smart: How to Give People and Nature the Space to Thrive'
- Tim Slaney: Tim oversees the vision and strategy for the South Downs National Park Authority, focusing on nature recovery, climate action, and being a ‘National Park for All'He is passionate about Britain's newest National Park being accessible to everyone and promoting the multiple benefits the area offers to residents and visitors alike
- Ben Taylor: Ben manages a 1,200-hectare mixed farming business within the South Downs National ParkThe estate has launched a progressive biodiversity project to restore habitats and create spaces for nature while retaining food production on its most fertile landThis project aims to generate new income streams through the sale of Biodiversity Net Gain credits to developers and other companies looking to offset their environmental impact
The Farming Conference will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday 13th November 2024 (6.30pm to 10.30pm if attending in person, including pre- and post-event refreshments and networking opportunities)The conference is FREE to attend, in person or online, but visitors must register at https://www.seas.org.uk/farming-conference/
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Hotels near South of England Showground,
Staying overnight in Haywards Heath?
Wondering where to stay that's close to South of England Showground,? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near the South Of England Agricultural Societys 2024 event in Haywards Heath.
The Ardingly Inn
Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, The Ardingly Inn offers pet-friendly accommodation in Balcombe, 26 km from Brighton & Hove. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Highley Manor
Featuring free WiFi, Highley Manor offers pet-friendly accommodation in Balcombe, 48 km from London. The hotel has a terrace and views of the garden, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Gravetye Manor
Featuring a restaurant, the award-winning Gravetye Manor is set on 1000 acres of grounds and gardens in East Grinstead. This Elizabethan manor house offers free WiFi throughout and free onsite parking..
Quail Cottage
Quail Cottage is a detached holiday home with a barbecue, set in Cuckfield. The property is 23 km from Brighton & Hove and free private parking is featured. There is a seating area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.
The Oak Retreat
Located in Danehill, The Oak Retreat offers over 60 square metres of self-catering accommodation in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty..
The Barn
In Danehill, The Barn features B&B accommodation in a renovated barn with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, just outside the main building dating back to 1545. It offers far-reaching views of the South Downs..
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VenueSouth of England Showground,
AddressSelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, Sussex,
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