‘An agricultural sector with ambition needs to be bold and entrepreneurial’…
That’s the headline message ahead of the 2016 Oxford Farming Conference this week (5-7 January). Among the speakers, EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan will debate the EU referendum with MP and former Secretary of State, Owen Paterson; the current Secretary of State, Liz Truss, and her shadow, Kerry McCarthy, will outline their visions for the sector and scientists will look to the likely ‘step changes’ in agricultural production techniques.
That side of things includes a presentation from David Fischhoff, chief scientist at The Climate Corporation, the company acquired by Monsanto in 2013 for US$930 million; and Haven Baker of Idaho-based Simplot, a plant sciences business responsible for developing the ‘super-trait’ Innate potato variety.
The conference will also present a valuable piece of research as part of the programme, which asks whether it’s in a farmer’s nature or their nurture that makes them an entrepreneur.
Looking ahead, Al Brooks, 2016 OFC chairman said. “Renewed boldness must return to farming if our businesses are to thrive. Like it or not, safe and low-risk attitudes belong in a bygone era, we need to look forward over a horizon filled with opportunity.
"The conference will focus on bold agriculture – by this we mean bold decisions, bold vision and bold actions. The 2016 conference will expose you to the people, science and businesses that epitomise these descriptions; they will inform you, challenge you and inspire you – delivering the Oxford mantra.
“We also have some hugely inspiring farmers who will blow your mind with their entrepreneurial drive.”