Synopsis
We invite you to be part of a transformative event with the focus on getting the food system right, from policy to production to processing, through sustainable farming and innovative food systems. Join industry leaders, farmers, academics, and food industry professionals as we explore the critical intersections of economics, food production, and the supply chain.
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Expert insights: gain knowledge from leading experts in economics, food production, and supply chain management.
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Practical knowledge: learn actionable strategies to implement in your own operations.
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Community building: network with peers passionate about creating a sustainable future.
Attendees
The event is intended to broker links between science, agriculture, and the food, nutrition and health industry, with a target audience of academics, students and early-career researchers across all these fields; stakeholders across the food chain including farmers, agricultural consultants and managers, food manufacturers and product developers, nutrition and health consultants and professionals, marketing and retailers; policy-makers; consumers and public who are seeking evidence-based information around regenerative farming.
Programme
Wednesday 5 February 2025
- 10:00
- Registration and refreshments
- 10:25
- Introduction and welcome
- 10:30
- Food and Farming – Production in a changing policy landscape
Alex Stevens, NFU
Session 1: Economics of regenerative agriculture
- Chair: Louise Manning, University of Lincoln
- 10:50
- Title to be confirmed
Iain Gould, Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology
- 11:10
- The economic model: yield versus margin
Louise Manning, University of Lincoln
- 11:30
- Title to be confirmed
Martin Collison, Collison Associates
- 11:50
- Panel discussion
- 12:05
- Refreshment break
Session 2 Food production innovations
- 12:30
- Title to be confirmed
Hans Dobson, NRI (Integrated pest management)
- 12:50
- The implications of a drive to net zero greenhouse gas emissions on farming
Paul Burgess, Cranfield (Soil)
- 13:10
- Title to be confirmed
Phil Howell, NIAB (Plant breeding)
- 13:30
- Panel discussion
- 13:45
- Lunch
Session 3 Supply chain dynamics
- Chair: Ewen Cameron, Baron Cameron of Dillington
- 14:30
- Regenerating the food supply chain – opportunities and risks
Carole Wagstaff, University of Reading
- 14:50
- Supply chain dynamics – the Nestlé perspective
Matthew Ryan, Nestlé
- 15:10
- Food supply cluster
Speaker to be confirmed
- 15:30
- Panel discussion
- 15:45
- Networking reception
- 16:30
- Conference close
Session 1: Economics of regenerative agriculture
Explore how government policies and incentive programs are shaping farm finance. Learn from experts about the broader economic impacts and the potential for sustainable profitability in agriculture.
• Government policies and incentives
• Farm finance strategies
• Economic impact of regenerative practices
Session 2: Food production innovations
Discover cutting-edge practices in food production that prioritize sustainability and health, from advanced pest management techniques to soil health improvement and plant breeding innovations. Gain practical insights that you can apply to enhance productivity while maintaining ecological balance.
• Sustainable pest management
• Soil health and fertility
• Plant breeding for resilience
Session 3: Supply chain dynamics
Understand the complexities of the supply chain in the context of regenerative agriculture. This session addresses everything from processing to retail, emphasizing the importance of a transparent and efficient supply chain that supports sustainable practices. Learn how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities within the regenerative supply chain.
• Processing and value addition
• Retail strategies for sustainable products
• Supply chain transparency and efficiency
Exhibition and sponsorship
Please click here for the pack and email conferences@soci.org letting us know which package you are interested in.
Call for posters
Contributions are invited from early-stage researchers and PhD students, the objective being to identify posters which best explain the outcomes of the research, and also in the context of the potential application of the results by the industry and consumers. An abstract of maximum 250 words (excluding title, author names, affiliations, references or figure captions) should be sent to conferences@soci.org by Friday 10 January 2025 with the subject line “Getting the food system right - poster submission”. An abstract template can be downloaded
here.
There will be voucher prizes of £100 for 1st place and £50 for 2nd place. The 1st place winner will additionally be awarded with the opportunity to publish their poster in JSFA as well as JSFA Reports.
Accessibility Grants
SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.
Venue and Contact
Fees
Early bird - ends Thursday 12 December 2024
SCI/RSC* Member - £93
Non-member - £148
SCI/RSC* Student Member - £43
After early bird
SCI/RSC* Member - £143
Non-member - £198
SCI/RSC* Student Member - £73
*RSC members should enter the Event discount code EJRPEST689 and select "Guest member" under the section member type. Delegates will be contacted for their membership number after successful registration.
*RSC student members should enter the Event discount code EJRPEST689S and select "Guest member" under the section member type. Delegates will be contacted for their membership number after successful registration.
All registrations will automatically receive a confirmation within 24 hours of registering for the event. Should you not receive written confirmation of your booking, please email conferences@soci.org.
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Booking Process/Deadlines
Booking terms and conditions
Organising committee
Mark Botting, Fruit Advisory Services
David Cameron, De Sangosse
James Garratt, Enviresearch
Louise Manning, University of Lincoln
Peter Reineck, SCI Agrisciences Group
David Withall, Rothamsted