New speakers have been announced by Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum for its agricultural and obesity conferences, with Farming Minister Mark Spencer speaking on UK agriculture policy.
The 'Next steps for UK agricultural policy' conference will look at UK agriculture policy and the implementation of new approaches and policy, as well as "key issues" for the sector. It will also examine the implementation of new payments to farmers and schemes to support agriculture, following ambitions outlined as part of the Agricultural Transition Plan in January 2024.
The Forum said that delegates would "assess strategies for diversification of income streams" for farmers in the context of rising maintenance costs, and key implications of policy changes for the wider agri-food sector, looking at food producers and retailers, the agricultural supply chain, food security, protecting the environment, investment and financing local economies.
It also said it would be an opportunity to discuss "key issues and priorities for implementation", including securing income from participation in payment schemes, actions to support sustainable land management, and the skills and engagement with the sector required to support the transition to sustainable agricultural practices across different types of farming.
Keynote speakers will include: Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State, Food, Farming and Fisheries, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Sarah Baker, head of economics, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board; George Dunn, chief executive, Tenant Farmers Association; Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, founder and partner, Agri Advisor; James Kane, associate, Institute for Government; and Alex Stevens, chief sustainable supply chains adviser, National Farmers' Union.
The 'Next steps for obesity policy, prevention and care in England' conference will address policy developments, options going forward and implications for stakeholders and population health.
Speakers at this conference will include: Professor Paul Gately, professor of exercise and obesity, Leeds Beckett University; Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer, Food and Drink Federation; Dr Parth Patel, senior research fellow, Institute for Public Policy Research; and Professor John Wilding, professor of medicine and honorary consultant physician, University of Liverpool.
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