Fringe events are an important part of political party conference activity and a chance for members to get involved. We are hosting fringe events at the Conservative and Labour party conferences, bringing together a range of speakers to discuss the parties' visions for the future of domestic food production and the policies needed to support a thriving agricultural sector.
This year's theme is "Food cannot fail: What's the Labour Party's long-term plan for British agriculture?". You can see what issues were addressed by the panel, which was chaired by Polly Toynbee, at last year's fringe event.
The event is free and NFU members can simply turn up. There's no need to register beforehand.
Chair: Will Hutton, Political economist, author and columnist
Tom Bradshaw, NFU Deputy President
Tim J Smith CBE, Chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council
Steve Reed MP, Shadow Defra Secretary of State
Will Hutton
Political economist, author and columnist
Will is currently President of the Academy of Social Sciences, remains a regular columnist for the Observer and co-chairs the Purposeful Company – a think tank that argues that companies’ intrinsic purpose should drive their strategy, values and ultimately profit.
Will also chairs the advisory board of the Fairness Foundation, is governor of the National Institute for Economic and Social Research, a member of the Progressive Economic Forum and editorial advisory board of Prospect magazine.
Tom Bradshaw
NFU Deputy President
The home farm is based around arable production but has also diversified into equestrian and renewables.
Tom has represented the NFU from Local Branch Chairman through to Chair of the National Combinable Crops Board.
Officeholder responsibilities
- Animal health and welfare including bTB
- Climate change and net zero
- Water and air issues
- Clean air strategy
- Workforce supply and training
- Farm assurance and labelling
- Food safety
- Banking
- Animal ID and movements
Tim J Smith CBE
Food and Drink Sector Council Chair
Tim leads the Council’s work to create change within the sector, build a more productive and sustainable food and drink system and look for new opportunities for co-operation within the wider government agenda. As part of his work with the Council, Tim will be delivering some of the measures outlined within the Government’s Food Strategy.
For over three decades Tim held leading roles at several manufacturers in the food sector including Northern Foods, Sara Lee, Express Dairies and latterly Arla Foods where he was CEO. Smith remains the Chairman of Cranswick plc. Between 2008 and 2012, Tim served as Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Steve Reed MP OBE
Shadow Secretary of State for Defra MP for Croydon North
Steve has previously served as Shadow Secretary for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor (2021-2023) and Shadow Secretary for Communities and Local Government (2020-2021). He was elected as the MP for Croydon North in 2012 following a by-election which was triggered by the death of the incumbent Malcolm Wicks.