A healthier food system for all explored at Autumn Debate

Farming’s role in creating a healthier society will be scrutinised by a knowledgeable industry panel at the Future Farmers of Yorkshire’s Autumn Debate on the evening of Thursday 14th November 2024.

Everyone with a stake in British agriculture is invited to attend the free event at Farmer Copleys in Pontefract, as Future Farmers delve into a ‘One Health’ agenda. The debate will look at how healthy soils, plus healthy livestock can equal healthy consumers and profitable farm businesses.
Future Farmers of Yorkshire is supported by farming charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. It is a thriving network of more than 1,000 farmers, vets and other industry professionals.

Nick Grayson, a South Yorkshire tenant farmer and Chair of Future Farmers of Yorkshire, said: “We all know that farm businesses, consumers and the planet need a more progressive food system: a system that results in a healthier population with less burden on an under-pressure NHS; that enables productive and profitable farming, delivering nutrient dense food that consumers want, and can afford to buy.

“What are the opportunities as farm realities, government policy and retailer attitudes become increasingly driven by climate change dynamics? Our debate will explore this question, identifying the challenges that must be overcome and the opportunities that have to be capitalised upon to create a brighter food future for us all.”

The event opens with informal, self-guided visits to Farmer Copleys Farm Shop and Copley’s Kitchen from 6pm. The registration desk opens at 6.30pm, followed by supper at 7pm and the debate at 7.30pm when the panel will share their thoughts on the topic and take part in a Q&A.

The line-up includes Sir Mark Spencer, the former DEFRA Minister and Leader of the House of Commons who farms in Nottinghamshire. Sir Mark’s family farm business employs around 50 local people, growing produce which is sold in the farm shop. He served as Conservative MP for Sherwood between 2010 and 2024, and on several parliamentary committees including the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.

Dr Hannah Fraser works both as a medical doctor and an organic farmer. In 2023, Hannah was awarded a UK Nuffield Farming Scholarship, sponsored by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, to investigate how farming practices can improve the nutrient density of foods and, in turn, improve human health.

James Robinson is England Chair for The Nature Friendly Farming Network and an organic dairy farmer from south Cumbria with a passion for farming alongside nature. James and his family have a long history at Strickley Farm and regularly share their farm with schools and other local groups.
Professor Pippa Chapman is a professor of soil science at the University of Leeds. Her expertise focuses around sustainable agriculture, soil health, water quality and climate change. Pippa’s research at the University’s farm includes demonstrating and measuring the impacts of different transition strategies to regenerative agriculture as part of the Fix Our Food project.

As well as hearing from an inspiring panel of speakers about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the evening is a sociable occasion and a great opportunity to network with other forward-thinking farming people.

Nationally recognised, Future Farmers of Yorkshire offers a year-round programme of activities to further the personal and professional development of people in the industry, providing a platform for debate and networking, and training and bursary opportunities.

Tickets are also now on sale for the Future Farmers Harvest Dinner Dance at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Saturday 23rd November. Featuring a drinks reception, three-course meal and a charity auction and raffle in aid of The Farming Community Network and the Yorkshire and Humberside Rural Initiative of Samaritans, all in farming across Yorkshire are welcome to attend for an evening of celebration.

To register for a free place at the Autumn Debate and to purchase tickets for the Harvest Dinner Dance, see yas.co.uk/futurefarmers.