Written by John Swire
With an unprecedented amount of uncertainty facing the sector, this year’s RABDF Business and Policy conference will tackle the key issues set to impact dairy businesses as we evolve in a new post-Brexit market – focused on the environment, promoting the benefits of dairy products and learning from allied industries. The conference returns to London on Tuesday 5 November.
Managing director of RABDF Matthew Knight says the speaker line up has been designed to ensure delegates are fully up to date with the latest developments across the industry in a variety of topical subjects affecting the sector.
“We want everyone attending the conference to go away with at least one piece of valuable information they will be able to use themselves when it comes to their own business.”
RABDF president Lord Ewen Cameron will chair the morning session and introduce Scott Mann MP, ahead of his opening address, where he will discuss his outlook for the future of the industry including the potential trade opportunities available to the UK in light of how we have left the EU five days earlier.
Tim Mordan, deputy director, Defra, will follow with an overview on the department’s current priorities in light of recent activity the UK’s position within the EU. This will include farming policy, productivity, innovation and research and development and their place within the dairy sector.
Moore Park’s Brendan Horan will discuss economic success factors on global dairy farms – highlighting the similarities and differences they share with those on UK farms. We will also look into the future challenges of external risk factors affecting UK dairy farms nationally and globally.
Kate Morley, Defra; David Alvis, Elsham Linc and David Ball, AHDB Dairy will address the environmental issues, emissions targets and proposed regulatory included in Defra’s Clean Air Strategy and their impact on the dairy industry. Whilst we will look at the measures Defra intend to include in future legislation there will also be discussion on the practical elements of their implementation.
David Alvis, consultant project manager, Elsham Linc, says to combat challenges and reach the required targets as an industry we must accept the idea of learning from other sectors.
“As an industry we need to stay open-minded and work together when it comes to looking for alternative options or new techniques. The introduction of new legislation will leave the sector with no choice but to operate in new ways if we are to hit emission reduction targets in line with government deadlines.”
The programme will also explore the consumer angle – looking at the impact of consumers on dairy markets. Rachel Knight, global insight director, Kantar World Panel will analyse the latest trends and insight and look at comparative global data whilst AHDB Dairy’s Susie Stannard will explain how dairy campaigns are responsible for reimagining the perception of dairy products. In theme with consumer perceptions Arla will give a short overview on their new bull calf initiative, discussing why they believe every calf has a value.
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