Key figures from Suffolk's food sector address conference

Colchester farmer and National Farmers' Union (NFU) deputy president Tom Bradshaw, west Suffolk organic farmer John Pawsey and Andy Wood, chief executive of Southwold brewer Adnams, have all pioneered new ways of thinking in what is a key industry for the region.

They will be among the guest speakers at the Norfolk Farming Conference on Wednesday, November 30.

Mr Bradshaw will be calling on government to make UK food production a priority and set out a clear path for farmers at a time of turmoil and uncertainty.

“With the global impact of the crisis in Ukraine and rising energy prices, there isn’t a production country around the world that isn’t impacted," he said.

"European production is going to be contracting and there is a very real risk of contraction in production in the UK.

“I think 2023 is looking worse than 2022 so how does the government intervene to underwrite food production? Relying on imports to fill the gaps would be incredibly naïve and very risky. So, what actions can be taken?

“The government needs to outline a food plan, take responsibility for feeding 70m people living on an island. I don’t see that detail. Food production is not a priority."

He will be highlighting farming sectors in crisis amid global food shortages - from the poultry industry under threat from bird flu to a pig industry beset by cutbacks and losses.

Mr Wood will be discussing the need to build resilience, robustness and anti-fragility into  systems and the need to take bold action on carbon reduction.

He will be describing the company's sustainability and carbon reduction journey and how concern for the environment has shaped the business. 

"We at Adnams have a very clear purpose around that and a very clear set of values. We've got tangible investments that we've made that show we're committed to doing this," he said.

"Those tangible investments over the years have been in our distribution centre, our brewery and our distillery.

"We've built assets and properties with sustainable features in them but I'm also going to talk about what that means for the brand, how we've communicated that as part of the brand story and where we're going to take it in the future."

The firm is about halfway towards being net zero by 2030 - and is working positively with farming and land-based partners.

“All of our barley comes from Norfolk and Suffolk. The bulk comes from Holkham – we have worked with the estate for more than 10 years.

"We have these long-term commitments not only in how we run our own business, but in the partnerships we have in our supply chain.

“As a business, it is our belief that you need to enter into long term contracts with other businesses which match your values and objectives."

Mr Pawsey will be talking about organic farming and natural capital benefits. Having gone organic 20 years ago, his soil is in better condition, his biodiversity has improved - and he making a profit. 

"When we thought of going organic, I talked to my neighbours and my agronomist at the time and I was told it was impossible," he said.

"Now, years down the road, I wish I hadn’t listened to them as probably I would have done it better to begin with.

"I came to realise, and it took me quite a long while, that the real enemy in making change is yourself. It’s about listening and being open to all suggestions even though on first hearing it sounds like something you can’t possibly do.

"So, be absolutely genuinely open to things that you perhaps don’t feel comfortable with and never ever say: I can’t do that on my farm."

The event - at Norfolk Showground - will be chaired by Dr Belinda Clarke, director of Agri-TechE, and sponsored by Brown & Co, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Norfolk County Council, NatWest, Lovewell Blake, AF and Birketts.

To book a place visit https://www.norfolkfarmingconference.org