Farmers Club/ BCPC Technical Seminar

The Club hosted the sixth joint technical seminar, run in partnership with the British Crop Production Council in early June. The title, Farming for Profit and Food Security, and timing immediately following the Prime Minister’s Food Summit was propitious.

The seminar got straight to the key issue focussing on the delicate act of balancing profitable farming and food production while protecting the environment and countryside for all to enjoy.

Delivering that complex combination has been a challenge for farming for decades, noted Stephen Howe, BCPC Advisory Board. “For those with little appreciation or knowledge about food production it has taken recent high-level food price inflation, triggered partly by the Ukrainian conflict, and self-inflicted economic wounds in the UK, to elevate the issue of food security and cost to consumers and government”.

“In recent, more affluent years, it’s been too easy for consumers, politicians and their advisers to forget that food originates from farms, not supermarket shelves. Acknowledging a complex transition in between, UK farmers regularly get the lowest returns while shouldering the highest risk”.

“If the UK is serious about the future of food security and maintaining consistent supplies of quality produce, it will require a UK farming industry which is profitable and fit for purpose to meet the growing challenges of an increasingly dynamic, competitive, global world of food production.”

To ensure that’s achievable, information must be based on science and factual evidence. Politicians, their advisers and spin doctors must recognise that there is no short-term fix to the current malaise. Food production, food security, foreign trade and the environment are, and have always been, inextricably linked. “To imply otherwise, suggests a complete lack of understanding about the practicalities and long-term nature of farming businesses.”

Short-term decision making is not an option for long-term farming businesses battling on so many fronts including rising costs, increased competition, compliance, global trade, politics and climate change, as Tim Benton, Research Director, Chatham House explained in his opening paper The future of global food security.

There remains many opportunities for farmers and the supply chain to exploit to maintain profitability and reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s food production process. Measures include making the most of new funding schemes, achieving high yields and paying full attention to detail and producing “less waste and more from less” as Ceres Rural partner, George Badger, and Bedfordshire farm manager, Andrew Robinson, explained.

Working more closely with processors and organisations, such as the Landscape Enterprise Network, to add value to commodities and benefit from any financial support for the provision of public goods, was a clear message from the managing director of Puffin Produce, Huw Thomas and Northamptonshire Managing Director at 2000ha Brixworth Farming, Ian Matts.

All presentations from the day are available on the BCPC website: www.bcpc.org/events/farming-forfood-and-food-security

There is nowhere quite like London in the summer. The city is already alive with the laughter of excited tourists seeing the sights and enjoying all that London has to offer. Here are but a few for you to consider when in town, outdoors and indoors… just in case!

Crown to Couture

Kensington Palace until 29th October 2023

The glittering world of the Georgian court comes head-to-head with the high glamour of the modern-day red carpet. Featuring over 200 items from ball gowns to court suits and handbags to jewellery. Enjoy a wander in the gardens after visiting the exhibition.

Freddie Mercury, A World of His Own

Sotheby’s, 4th August – 5th September

Sotheby’s presents an Exhibition; Freddie Mercury, a World of His Own. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the private realm of a global icon.

Featuring stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, fine and decorative arts, Japanese art, and precious objects. A treasure trove of personal belongings… it really is a kind of magic.

Proms in the Park

Battersea Park, Sunday 27th August at 16:30

The world-famous Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra presents classical masterpieces, featuring works from Elgar to Puccini, Vivaldi to Holst. The 60-piece orchestra will stir spirits with rousing anthems and create spine-tingling moments aplenty, the finale a spectacular fireworks display. Visit the new Power Station whilst you are in the area and be amazed and the transformation of this urban industrial site.

Theatre in the Garden – ‘The Actors Church’ Summer Season

Various dates

St. Paul’s Church, affectionately known as The Actor’s Church is based on the west of Covent Garden’s piazza. Its secluded garden is the setting for Theatre in the Garden, a dedicated season filled with Shakespearean comedy, puppetry, comedy and new takes on classic tales.

Doctor Dolittle to a high-octane Midsummer Night’s Dream, there’s something for everyone.

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet

Sadler’s Wells, 1st August – 2nd September

Passion and heartbreak collide in Matthew Bourne’s contemporary take on the timeless tale of two starcrossed young lovers. Returning to Sadler’s Wells for a strictly limited season this North London venue is a delight!

Sunset Boulevard

Savoy Theatre – from 21st September

Nicole Scherzinger returns to the West End this September for a limited 16-week run starring as the immortal Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Sunset Boulevard. Sumptuous sets and costumes are guaranteed.

Craig Godfrey Member Experience Manager

If I can book any of the above or any other aspect of your visit to The Club over the next couple of months please contact me via memexpmanager@thefarmersclub.com