Dr Clarke takes over the role from Guy Smith, Deputy President NFU, who has been chairing the event for the last nine years. The conference, a key moment in Norfolk’s farming calendar, and attended by over 300 of Norfolk’s farmers and producers, is set to promote the topical themes of Trade – challenge and opportunities; farming carbon and the environment; and Water – flood mitigation and water resource use.
Belinda Clarke says: “Guy Smith has played a major role in this vibrant conference for many years, so I am humbled by this invitation to take up the baton. There is a stimulating line-up of speakers for the conference and several farmer case-stories. After missing a year there will be lots to talk about and it is an excellent opportunity to meet up with old friends and open the doors to new faces.”
Joining Dr Clarke will be a line-up of eminent speakers including Sir Dieter Helm, British economist and academic; Tom Bradshaw, Essex farmer and Deputy President NFU; Barney Kay, Agricultural Director at Pilgrim Foods; Andy Wood, CEO of the prestigious Suffolk brewer Adnams; and General The Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff and Chairman Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance. A focus on local farming case studies will explore biodiversity, rewilding, organic, and soil health projects in Norfolk and Suffolk from Ken Hill, Holkham and Shimpling Park Farm.
Mark Nicholas, Managing Director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association added “We are thrilled to present an exciting line-up of eminent speakers at the Norfolk Farming Conference to discuss the challenging issues of our time. The opportunity to learn and debate and to share best practice will keep Norfolk farmers at the forefront of competitiveness. Belinda Clarke, as Chair, will provide new energy to set the conditions for check and challenge.”
The conference is sponsored and organised by AF Group, Birketts, Brown & Co, Lovewell Blake, NatWest, Norfolk County Council and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.
Tickets for the Norfolk Farming Conference, including lunch and refreshments, are £72 (inc VAT) per person and £40 (inc VAT) for students and can be purchased through the RNAA website.
Image: Belinda Clarke , Director of Agri-TechE Credit Agri-TechE
