Transition Farms Seminar

Following the success of the Transition Towns Seminar held back in February we are pleased to announce that we are now arranging a second Seminar focusing on how we will farm without fossil fuels. It is still in the planning stage but the date and some of the speakers have now been confirmed.

We hope that the day will consider the options for local agriculture and food production after fossil fuels have run out and climate change is even more prevalent. 95% of our food is dependent on oil through energy-intensive agriculture and food supply chains, from fertiliser and fuel to distribution and retailing - resulting in food prices and availability being directly affected by oil prices. Climate change brings further uncertainty to difficult trading conditions for farmers. Varying temperature and rainfall bring new challenges, along with freak weather events and rising sea-levels.

Professor Chris Gaskell, Principal, Royal Agricultural College, will chair the event.

Speakers include:

• Chris Reynell, Bioplex Technologies Ltd
• Gerry Lane, National convener for the Forage Legumes Special Interest Group of the British Grassland Society
• Dr John Conway, Principal Lecturer Soil Science / Earth Sciences, RAC
• Jade Bashford, Soil Association/Stroud Community Agriculture
• Nick Cooper, Natural England
• Andrew Clarke, The Resilience Centre
• Laurence Smith, Elm Farm Organic research Centre

The final programme will be sent out at the beginning of May. However, if you would like to secure your place a booking form can be downloaded opposite. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Beverley Allen, SW Rural Update Administrator on 01285 889872 Ext: 2317