More than 140 people attended the popular annual Pershore Conference held on 15 January at No. 8 Art Centre in Pershore.
Titled ‘Too much or too little – never just enough’, the theme for the evening was to try to identify the impacts of water, or lack of, and climate change on farmers and the industry as a whole.
High profile speakers
A quartet of high profile speakers, including NFU President Tom Bradshaw, was on hand to give their expert insights into this most pressing issue.
Dr Mike Rivington opened the evening with a sobering projection of the impacts of climate change on agriculture, showcasing modelling that left the audience in no doubt that what we have seen over the last 25 years is nothing compared to what is on the horizon.
This was followed by Tom, who linked these environmental challenges to food security and highlighted the fragility of our food supply chains and inequities in global trade agreements.
Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food George Eustice added contemporary political insight and identified possible ways we may be able to mitigate some of these issues.
And a fascinating global context was provided by Caroline Rhodes, visiting from South Australia.
The panellists then answered questions from the floor.
A great way to start the year
Outgoing NFU Worcestershire County Chair Oliver Surman, said: “An excellent evening, the conference continues to punch above its weight and is a great way to start the year.
“While always trying to look at every situation in a positive fashion, the challenges facing not just the UK but global agriculture in the next 25-to-50 years are undeniably tough.
“This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: NFU Mutual, Carver Knowles, Crowthers, Shakespeare Martineau and Oxbury Bank.”