Top growers and former Secretary of State to speak at leading farming conference – bookings now open

A line-up featuring industry-leading producers and growers – plus a former Defra Secretary of State – will share their insights at a top farming conference this spring.

The South East Future of Farming Conference will return for its fourth year, for inspiring talks, practical takeaways, networking and food.

It will be held at Plumpton College's £10m AgriFood Centre in Sussex, run by the college, CLA and Virgin Money, on Thursday, 23 April from 3pm to 7.30pm.

The conference is renowned for offering tangible solutions for farmers and landowners across the South East, with an emphasis on sharing insights on farming innovation, technology and sustainability.

An exciting mix of speakers will share their experiences and advice. The line-up includes: 

• George Eustice, former Defra Secretary of State
• Laura Rous, of Dennington Hall Farms, Suffolk, a leading regenerative arable farm
• Crispin Alexander, of Castle Farm, Kent, home to the largest lavender farm in the UK
• Chaired by Kelly Hewson-Fisher, Head of Rural Research at Savills.

CLA South East represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the region.

Regional Director, Tim Bamford, said: “This conference has established itself as a key event in the farming calendar, and we have another diverse line-up this year. The rural economy is dynamic, and with the right support its full potential can be unleashed. Join us to discuss how we can all play a part now and in the future.”

Jeremy Kerswell, CEO and Principal of Plumpton College, said: “This year's conference promises to be as insightful as ever, with national and local speakers sure to be bringing something of interest to all those included in food, farming and land management.”

Brian Richardson, UK Head of Agriculture at Virgin Money, said: “The 2026 South East Future of Farming Conference comes at a pivotal moment for the UK farming industry. For the past two years farmers have been struggling to move forward against a tide of uncertainty over Government support policy and the stop-start introduction of SFI, which has drastically slowed investment in the industry.

“Farming is fundamentally a long-term industry, and the Conference theme, 'Driving Productivity and Profitability in a Sustainable Way,' has never been more relevant. It offers farmers a vital opportunity to explore what the future holds and to make confident planning and investment decisions that will enable them to build resilient, successful and sustainable operations in the years ahead.”

Tickets for this event are £10 with all proceeds going to The Country Trust, the UK’s leading national educational charity connecting children from areas of high social and economic disadvantage with the land and farming.

Book your place today

 

Media are welcome to attend the conference. Email mike.sims@cla.org.uk for a ticket.

Categories: College News, Sustainability, Land Management