Press Releases
University Conference - Farming post 2013 and beyond!
Release Date : 02 February 2009
The future of farming after 2013 is the focus of the 43rd Reading University Agricultural Club Conference taking place on 9th February.
2013 is important for the agricultural industry as it's the year of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, which could see the removal of single farm payment subsidies. Removal of the payment will reduce farm incomes and, depending on markets, make it un-profitable to grow and produce many commodities in this country.
Audiences will hear from guest speakers who will consider the predicted prospects for the future of European farming policy choice and its impacts. Also under discussion will be the importance of the food industry and land use in 2013 and its implications to farmers.
The three speakers, Professor Alan Swinbank from the University of Reading, Professor David Hughes from Imperial College London and John Alvis from Alvis Bros Ltd, Somerset, are all experts in their field and will provide a fascinating look at the issues facing the future of the farming industry.
Dr Mike Gooding, Head of the School for Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading said: "Succeeding in agriculture has always been about accomplishing multiple objectives, not least in predicting and managing change. I am delighted that the University's Agricultural Club has brought together engaging and expert speakers in policy, marketing, and land use, to address a period of transformation that will impact on all those in the land-based sector."
The event will take place on Monday 9th February at 19.30 in the Madejski Lecture Theatre, Agriculture Building, Earley Gate.
Members of the public are welcome. Entrance is free and tickets are not required. For more information please contact: James Green (Conference Chairman), Tel: 07970 291664 or email aau07jpg@reading.ac.uk
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For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
Speaking at the Conference:
Alan Swinbank is a recently retired Professor of the University of Reading where he worked for 31 years. He was Head of the Department of Agricultural and Food Economics from 1991 to 1999. Alan is currently finalising a book for Oxford University Press on the inter-linkages between CAP reform and WTO trade liberalisation. Alan will speak about agricultural policy.
David Hughes is Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London. He also works closely with food and beverage firms on business strategy and with government on food policy formulation. David also liaises with food and beverage firms on business strategy and with government on food policy formulation, and is currently Non-Executive Director on the Advisory Board of Rabobank, UK. He will speak about the importance of the food Industry in 2013 and its implications to farmers.
John Alvis is Managing Director of a family owed farming company based in North Somerset producing 3000 tonnes of cheese of which two thirds is organic. He will speak about land use for the future and beyond 2013.