UNDER the theme ‘A fresh start – farming beyond Brexit, BPS and Covid-19’, leading farmers, politicians and industry experts from across the country will be at Hexham Mart next week.

Speakers will give their take on the future risks and opportunities for farming at the event on Wednesday, November 3.

It comes after in the context of government’s plans for agricultural transition away from EU-based rules and BPS payments, in tandem with ambitious targets such of being Net Zero by 2050.

The Northern Farming Conference aims to give farmers the opportunity to consider how best to progress and take control of their businesses over the next few years.

This year’s speakers include:

• Baroness Natalie Bennett – politician and journalist

• Tim Rycroft – chief executive officer of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

• Denise Walton – owner of Peelham Farm in the Scottish Borders

• Tim Farron – MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale

• Patrick Laurie - writer and farmer from Galloway

• Fiona Sample – chief executive officer of the Northumberland-based Oswin Project

• Ed Barnston – estate owner and manager, Nuffield Scholar

Conference chair, and managing director at North East Grains Ltd, Matthew Curry, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming a brilliant line-up of speakers to this year’s conference after last year’s cancellation due to Covid. This will be the 11th conference which will be held at Hexham Auction Mart on November 3.”

“We are looking forward to an entertaining and illuminating day which will cover a vast range of topics that will have an impact on farms and rural businesses over the next few years.”

The annual event is billed as one of the most prestigious events in the north, attracting over 200 farmers, industry experts and politicians to network, listen and question a line up of speakers.

The conference is a joint venture between Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), Armstrong Watson, Catchment Sensitive Farming, the CLA, Gibson & Co Solicitors, Hexham and Northern Marts, North East Grains, Womble Bond Dickinson and Youngs RPS.

For more information, visit: www.northernfarmingconference.org.uk or telephone: 01748 90 7070.