The programme for the Farm of the Future: Net Zero in Practice event has been released and is available to view here.

Taking place at Harper Adams University on Thursday 13th April, the event will include discussions and technical sessions to give attendees the opportunity to see and hear about up-and-coming solutions to enable to the agricultural sector to reach net zero.  

The day will begin with an address from Lord Deben, the current chair of the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC). Lord Deben contributed to the 2022 Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero report, sharing in the preface that:

“Food production is the first of all ‘public goods’ that farmers offer. But it has to be done in a way which also leads to net zero.”

The first panel discussion of the day, which is to be chaired by Prof. Michael Lee from Harper Adams University, will focus on the practical opportunities for farm businesses to reach net zero. Panellists Helen Browning OBE, Prof. Louise Manning, Abi Reader and Tim Williams will share what they have done to decarbonise their own businesses and their key learnings along the way.

Delegates will have the opportunity to attend two of three technical sessions. The sessions are as follows:

  • Decarbonising livestock production – feeding, breeding and health
  • Circular solutions for biowastes: clean energy, nutrients and future fuels
  • Autonomous vehicles and robotics – the Hands Free Hectare

These sessions will be supported by demonstrations from key industry players and will include breakout sessions for questions and discussion.

The event will end with a second farm discussion panel, which will focus on next steps towards decarbonisation. Flavian Obiero, Nigel Davies and Paul Westaway will discuss key learnings from the day, what they will take back to their enterprises and will share their thoughts on how different sectors could work more closely together to reach net zero.

This event is free to attend but tickets are strictly limited. Priority will be given to farming applicants. Click here to apply for your place.