Balancing sustainable food production and energy security takes centre stage at Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2023
The next Low Carbon Agriculture Show will take place on 7 - 8 February 2023 at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, to help farmers and landowners to rise to the challenge of producing more domestic, climate friendly food and energy, with fresh content announced this summer.
With a renewed food strategy issued by the government, pledging to increase support for domestic production, farmers are being encouraged to produce high-quality, climate-friendly food while protecting and enhancing the environment.
Alongside this, the British Energy Security Strategy issued early this year, pledges to develop an energy system that is much more self-sufficient, stating that by 2030, 95% of British electricity could be low carbon, and by 2035, we will have decarbonised our energy system, subject to security of supply.
Following the success of the show last March, new conference sessions will focus on enhancing biodiversity, transitioning to regenerative farming systems, niche crops, managing energy use and costs, separate sessions on the decarbonisation of UK heat and power, and maximising returns from existing clean energy assets. A policy workshop, giving farmers and landowners the chance to quiz experts on agricultural, energy and environmental policy has also been added. The new topics have been introduced alongside already popular sessions, such as carbon farming, soil health, each renewable energy type and an open debate on reaching Net Zero in agriculture.
With continued price volatility in fertiliser, energy and inputs, rising food prices and renewed focus on the environment, the show will provide a pragmatic approach to these pressing issues, with advice that cuts through the noise to deliver realistic advice and productive discussion.
Event director, David Jacobmeyer, has created a programme to reflect the pertinent issues faced by farmers. “Energy and input costs continue to rise and focussing on the question of food or fuel is not helpful. The big challenge is how we sustainably increase the demands for food, ensure energy security in the UK and look after our water, soil and air quality.”
Held in partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Low Carbon Agriculture show incorporates four expos including: ‘Environmental Business Expo’, ‘Farm Technology Expo’, ‘Energy Now Expo’ and ‘Low Emission Vehicles Expo.’
Low Carbon Agriculture will feature its renowned multi-streamed conference, workshops, an exhibition, test drives of low emission vehicles and machinery and demonstrations of the latest innovations in agri-tech.
National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Deputy President, Tom Bradshaw, says:
“The NFU is a proud partner of the show which is rapidly becoming a central event for low carbon farming. At a time when food and energy security are rightly high on everyone’s minds, the show provides targeted support for producing climate-friendly food, energy and fibre."
“There is a wealth of practical advice from experts on energy, environment, agri-tech and low emissions vehicles. It is an ideal opportunity for farmers to come together to explore opportunities and build resilient businesses.”
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Director General, Sarah Hendry, says:
“The CLA is pleased once again to be supporting the Low Carbon Agriculture Show. This event gathers the most dynamic rural businesses from across the sector, where landowners and industry experts work to tackle the greatest societal challenge, we are facing globally. The CLA and our members are working hard to deliver a sustainable, low carbon and diverse rural economy for the future, as we continue on the road to be world leaders in reaching Net Zero.”
Low Carbon Agriculture Show is free to attend and features the Energy Now Expo, in which an exhibition will be accompanied by an energy storage theatre and a cutting-edge conference programme, covering all forms of renewables. The Low Emission Vehicles Expo will showcase the latest low-carbon transport and machinery solutions, highlight the related opportunities, and feature a test track. The Environmental Business Expo will include an exhibition and conference sessions offering practical guidance to farmers on the management and reduction of harmful greenhouse gasses, carbon sequestration, regenerative farming and effective environmental land management. Suppliers of innovative agri-tech will take part in the exhibition and workshop area within the Farm Technology Expo.
Visit www.lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk to learn more.