Event Date : February 1, 2017
to 2 February 2017
The 11th Organic Producers’ Conference will be held on Wednesday 1st February and Thursday 2nd February 2017 at Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET
ORC’s annual Organic Producers’ Conference is the event where organic and other producers interested in ecological approaches to sustainable food production come together with researchers and advisers to share ideas on making agriculture perform better, for their businesses and society.
Without question, the Brexit referendum result has opened up a significant debate about the future of agriculture in the UK, and the place of organic food and farming within it. It’s also created huge uncertainty for producers and other organic businesses, in terms not only of access to and continuation of conversion and maintenance support, but also how exchange rates and regulations might change and the impacts that will have on both domestic markets and export opportunities. Research and other organisations supporting organic businesses are facing similar challenges, as access to European funding for research, promotional and other initiatives comes into question.
How can we rise to the challenges which Brexit represents? Can we make our work and businesses more resilient to the changes that will take place in the next few years? What opportunities will the new situation present that we should be welcoming with open hands? What should we be asking of policy-makers to ensure a vibrant organic community in future, delivering both environmental and other public goods, as well as contributing to the economic wellbeing of the UK? Can we build bridges with others facing similar challenges and aspirations?
As usual we have a range of practical technical sessions, on the themes of; business/markets, arable, horticulture, grassland/livestock, and food/farming policy post-Brexit.
Download flyer here
Download full conference programme with abstracts and biographies here
Download four-page programme with details of speakers and workshops here
We have a tiered system to encourage early booking, with a fixed number of tickets allocated to each tier – when they are gone, they are gone! We have some tickets available at Tier Three prices for day two and combined day one and day two tickets. It is no longer possible to book for day one on its own.
We have sold out of package deals for B&B at the Conference Centre but rooms at the venue are still available through other accommodation booking websites. Many other options including budget accommodation are available in the vicinity of the conference venue in the city centre. Please contact Gillian Woodward for details.
To book your place please click here
If you are interested in sponsoring the event please contact Gillian Woodward
