THE ways farming can deliver more than just food will be the topic for the Future Farmers of Yorkshire breakfast meeting on Wednesday, July 10, at the Great Yorkshire Show.

The breakfast meeting takes place on the Vertu Motors GYS Stage at 7.45am and a panel of experts will debate potential changes that are crucial in delivering a resilient agricultural industry.

The event, sponsored this year by Armstrong Watson Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers, AHDB and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, comes at a time when the UK’s agricultural sector is undergoing significant transformation.

Blair Wallace, vice-chairman of Future Farmers of Yorkshire, said: “Farmers have just come through a gruelling winter marked by relentless rainfall and increasing input costs. But amidst this, public interest in rural affairs and sustainable food production is surging and more farmers are opening their gates to showcase their practices.

“This elevated relationship with the public provides a unique opportunity for farmers to reshape the narrative and demonstrate their vital role beyond food production. As society strives for net zero emissions and healthier lifestyles, farmers are at the forefront of these efforts. The sector needs to highlight the broader contributions of agriculture to daily life, not only providing nutritious food but enhancing the environment and contributing to public health.”

The panellists will be:

  • Molly Biddell, Head of Natural Capital at Knepp Estate, who advocates for regenerative food systems and nature-based solutions;
  • Joe Stanley, Head of Training and Partnerships at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project, who is a supporter of sustainable farming practices and is regularly seen in the media as a supporter of British Food and Farming;
  • Professor John Gilliland OBE is a livestock and willow farmer based in Northern Ireland who has been independently verified to be ‘beyond’ net zero;
  • Jodie Bolland, UK Agricultural Sourcing Director at Woodhead Brothers. She leads the sourcing teams for beef, pork, lamb and eggs. She also manages the business’ s raw material ingredients sourcing;
  • Andrew Robinson, Accounting Partner and Head of Agriculture and Farming at Armstrong Watson, will chair the meeting.

To register a free place at the breakfast, visit yas.co.uk/futurefarmers.

For tickets, which are, adults, £35, children, £13 and families, £86, visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/ticket-information.