Conference hears of challenges for farmers

FARMING leaders have used a setpiece event in the North East to warn of the challenges facing the agricultural sector.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

‘The Northern Farming Conference in Hexham, Northumberland, saw a number of industry leaders highlighting a ‘policy vacuum’ while also warning of the challenges facing farmers as they bid to ensure their financial survival.

‘The event - called People, Planning and Profit: Building a Resilient Farming Future - saw around 240 delegates listen to speeches and panel discussions.

Among those speaking at the conference was former NFU president Minette Batters, who has been tasked by the Government with a review of farm profitability.