TREE planting, trade deals and farming policy were among the topics debated at a question time event at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester. 

Farmers Weekly, a magazine aimed at the British farming industry, held their popular Question Time panel in the RAU's Parkinson Lecture Theatre earlier this month. 

The Question Time panel gives farmers the opportunity to speak directly to top politicians and industry leaders on issues affecting UK agriculture.

More than 100 guests attended this event which was chaired by Farmers Weekly’s podcast and projects editor Johann Tasker. 

This RAU event was the last in a series of four debates organised and run by the weekly magazine. 

Previous events were held at Harper Adams University, Scotland's Rural College's Elmwood campus and the John Innes Centre in Norwich.

The panel for the RAU event included professor Tom MacMillan, chair in Rural Policy and Strategy at the RAU Elizabeth Creak, as well as Country Land and Business Association president and RAU alumnus Mark Tufnell.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice (February 2020 to September 2022), CEO of the British Meat Processors Association Nick Allen, Hertfordshire farmer Jo Franklin and  rural chartered surveyor and broadcaster Rob Yorke were also in attendance.

RAU vice-chancellor professor Peter McCaffery said: “We were delighted to be asked to host the final edition of Farmers Weekly’s Question Time at the RAU and also that our own professor Tom MacMillan was invited to be on the panel. 

“Farming, as we all know, is facing an uncertain future and the evening was a welcome opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics all very relevant to the sector and to us as the UK’s leading global university for sustainable agriculture and land management.

"We look forward to welcoming Farmers Weekly Question Time back in 2024.”

A recording of the event is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC_0EvWoac4