Conference to highlight role of agricultural science in providing solutions to food security problem

1 Feb 2011

The 2011 NIAB TAG Outlook Conference will focus on the impact of the global food security challenge on UK farm businesses and the need for continued investment in agricultural science.

The biennial Conference, on Thursday 17th February at the Scotch Corner Hotel in North Yorkshire, is open to anyone involved or interested in the food and farming sectors. Speakers include NIAB CEO Dr Tina Barsby debating the role of GM crops, Grant Thornton’s Gary Markham assessing the costs of production, Glencore’s Finlay Calder on wheat markets and Nuffield Scholar David Hugill discussing the importance of knowledge transfer in the agricultural industry.

“Our theme this year is Enough on our Plates?,” says explains Stuart Knight, Director of Crops and Agronomy at NIAB TAG. “In the next 20 years the world’s population will rise from six billion to eight billion, demand for food will increase by 50%, for water by 30% and for energy by 50%. We’re already seeing an impact on the markets that our farm businesses operate in and our speakers will cover these issues.

“The conference will also highlight the positive role science can play in providing solutions to these pressures building up on the global food system, including population growth, climate change, demographic and dietary shifts, and resource depletion. Our aim is to particularly emphasise the measures needed to ensure food production, and especially crop yields, can keep pace affordably and sustainably,” says Mr Knight.

View further details and conference booking forms online or phone NIAB on 01223 342200.