Location & date:
RAU Campus

This event took place on 11 May 2023
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A series of LIVE regional debates

Key agricultural topics

Royal Agricultural University Campus 11th May 2023

Quiz the speakers

Fantastic opportunity to put your questions forward and hear what the speakers have to say.

A series of regional LIVE debates

Policy makers and influential figures will be talking about key agricultural topics and current affairs that are relevant to your region.

Networking opportunity

Following the event, there will be an evening drinks reception where you will have the opportunity to network with likeminded peers in the industry.

Meet the QuestionTime host

Voice of the Farmers Weekly podcast and projects editor, Johann Tasker, is taking to the stage to host our new Question Time live show.

A long-standing and integral member of the Farmers Weekly team, he has been reporting and analysing the impact of government policy on agriculture – and how it affects farm businesses – for more than 20 years.

Most recently he has led our agricultural transition and farm safety (Dying to Feed You) projects alongside production of the weekly podcast with co-host Hugh Broom.

Running order:

  • Registration: 17:30
  • Live QuestionTime: 18:00 - 19:15
  • Drinks reception: from 19:15

Speakers

Mark Tufnell

Mark trained as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse and owns and manages a traditional estate in the Cotswolds.

More info >

Nick Allen

As well as his role as CEO of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Nick runs a farm in Hampshire.

More info >

George Eustice

George Eustice was Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 13 February 2020 to 6 September 2022.

More info >

Tom MacMillan

As Creak Chair, Professor MacMillan's role is to inform national and international policies on land, the environment and food.

More info >

Rob Yorke

Rob Yorke is an environmental dialogue broker, rural chartered surveyor, moderator and broadcaster.

More info >

Jo Franklin

Jo graduated from Harper Adams with a BSc in Agriculture and Crop Production. She went to work as an agronomist for ProCam, then Agrovista...

More info >

Venue

Location and parking

Royal Agricultural University
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 6JS

Getting there by car:

For visitors using satellite navigation, the university postcode is GL7 6JS.

M4 Motorway

Exit Junction 15 on to A419 to Cirencester. Exit at Cirencester Industrial Area and follow clear signposting to the University.

M5 Motorway

Exit Junction 11A on to A417. Exit at Stratton and follow Gloucester Road, from where it is clearly signposted to Cirencester Town Centre.

M40 Motorway

Take the A40 to Burford, then B4425 to Cirencester via Fosse Way (A429) from Stow-on-the-Wold. The University is clearly signposted from the Cirencester by-pass.

Getting there by public transport:

Rail

There are frequent British Rail services from London (Paddington) to Kemble Station (Cirencester), via Swindon. There are also regular trains from Gloucester and Cheltenham, which connect to the main train lines.

A taxi and bus service are available to transport you the remaining three miles from Kemble Station to the university.

Contact National Rail Enquiries

Tel: 08457 484950
Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Contact First Great Western

Tel: 08457 000125
Web: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

By coach

There are regular coach services from London Victoria Station and Heathrow to Cirencester. The journey about takes about two hours.

Accessibility:
  • A portable looping system is available on request.
  • There are accessible toilets in the Frank Garner Lecture Block, Boutflour Hall, Sir Emrys Jones Centre, Library, and the Main Building.
  • Wheelchair access to the main building is available from the Quad.

If you have any special access requirements email us before your visit and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Dietary requirements:

If your application is successful, please inform us of any dietary requirements two weeks prior to the event. You can contact us at fw-eventsandprojects@markallengroup.com.

Map:

What 3 words: ///hatch.quench.asterisk

Sponsors

Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank is delighted to support the Farmers Weekly Question Time. In what continues to be a challenging time for the agriculture sector, addressing the key issues and questions that farmers have, will help the sector take advantage of opportunities and achieve the best results.

You can find out more about how we are continuing to support the sector at lloydsbank.com/agriculture

Visit website

AB Agri

As Britain’s farmers rise to the challenge of producing responsible, high-quality food to feed our nation - without upping the price… AB Agri is thrilled to be supporting this opportunity to discuss and debate the topics that matter most.

Visit website

Pictures of the event

View the video of the event and listen to our podcast

Watch video Listen to podcast

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FAQ's

How do I submit a question to the panel?

You can submit a question whilst filling out the registration form. However, we cannot guarantee that your question will be asked as our panel selects the questions prior to the event. At the venue, you will have the opportunity to ask a question live.

If I am not able to attend can someone go in my place?

Yes, but you need to inform us at least 24 hours before.

How do you select panel members?

We aim to select a panel of influential figures within the agricultural industry who have a broad range of views, knowledge, and experience. Where possible we try and select panellists who are relevant to the area in which the event is taking place.

How do you select audience?

To make the audience diverse and to ensure a range of different views and opinions are reflected, we try to select audience members of varying age groups and occupations. The successful audience members will be contacted by a member of the Farmers Weekly team and asked to provide two questions for the panel.

Will there be a drinks reception?

Following the event, there will be an evening drinks reception where canapes and light refreshments will be provided.

Is the event free to attend?

Yes, the event is free to attend, however you do need to apply to be a member of the audience.