FARMERS and food producers are being invited to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing their industry at a new Food and Farming Zone at the Gloucestershire Business Show taking place this week.
The zone, which is brand new for the 2017 event and sponsored by The Midcounties Co-operative, will host workshops and seminars offering support, advice and best practice to local food production and agri-businesses.
One such session will be ‘The Future of Food in a Time of Uncertainty’ which is being hosted tomorrow (Wednesday, May 17).
Attendees will hear from legal and financial specialists, academics, local farmers and retailers.
Topics discussed will include the potential impact of Brexit and the implementation of the National Living Wage, future technology innovations and inspiring the next generation of farmers.
Phil Ponsonby, chief executive (trading) at The Midcounties Co-operative, will be on the panel.
He said: “This event is a chance for local food producers and suppliers to discuss how they can thrive and grow to deliver a sustainable future for their businesses and the region’s food industry.
“We'll be discussing practical, day-to-day occurrences like code life on produce and the importance of seasonal supply, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to this new zone, which reflects the importance of the industry to the local economy."
Pete Allison, show director for the Gloucestershire Business Show, said: “This session captures the heart of some really critical issues that business in general and the agriculture sector in particular is facing.
“With Brexit looming and political uncertainty at home and overseas, the business and agricultural community has some significant challenges to overcome.
“It’s not just about surviving, but learning how to evolve and grow into a robust and resilient industry that can provide food security and economic development.”
The Gloucestershire Business Show will be held at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse from 9am to 4.30pm on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18.
The Future of Food in a Time of Uncertainty session will take place from 3.30-4.30pm on Wednesday, May 17.
The show is free to attend, and guests can view the full programme and register at gloucestershire-business-show.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here