We are keeping a close eye on all updates in relation to COVID-19. Our February events have been confirmed as interactive online events.

How does the food industry and agricultural sector play a huge part in the climate and ecological emergency?

What factors have affected food and farming businesses recently, and what can be done to ensure sustainability is kept a key priority?

The Future Economy Network are welcoming Network members Soil Association, Farm Wilder, Michelmores, The Community Farm and Bishop Fleming to discuss communication and behaviour change, Covid19 and Brexit within food and farming.

Agenda

09:00 - 09:05 - Registration

09:05 - 09:20 - Facilitated Group Networking

09:20 - 09:30 - Introduction

09:30 - 09:50 - Discussion 1 - 2020 Changes: Where are we with Brexit and Covid19?

09:50 - 10:05 - Q&A

10:05 - 10:25 - Discussion 2 - Communication and Consumer Behaviour Change

10:25 - 10:40 - Q&A

10:40 - 10:45 - 60 Second Pitches

10:45 - 10:50 - Close & Upcoming Events

10:50 - 11:00 - Facilitated Group Networking - Lessons Learned

Meet the Speakers!

Rachel O'Connor, Senior Associate, Michelmores

As well as acting for clients in complex and high-value cases on the traditional agriculture front, Rachel spearheads the Firm's Sustainable Agriculture practice which considers emerging technologies and practices which are tackling the most pressing issues facing the agriculture sector for generations: climate change and biodiversity loss.

Rachel has developed an expertise in the law relating to insects as an alternative protein source in animal feed and as part of the circular economy. Rachel is also a lecturer at Cardiff University on Environmental Law including waste management and nature conservation.

Rachel sits on the organising panel for the UK's annual Insects as Food and Feed Conference, in association with the Royal Entomological Society and ADAS. Ahead of the last IAFF conference in April 2019, Rachel appeared on BBC Radio 4's Farming Today and on You & Yours after the event, sharing her expertise on the topic.

Lee Holdstock, Senior Business & Trade Development Manager, Soil Association

Benefiting from more than 20 years of experience in food and textile business development, Lee is a trusted expert in sustainability, responsible business and organics who manages a range of projects for Soil Association Certification - the UK's biggest organic certifier. By helping hundreds of businesses build capability in marketing, communications, supply chain and routes to market, Lee’s team at Soil Association Certification actively support the growth of an organic market, now worth more than £2.4B a year.

Tim Martin, Founder, Farm Wilder

Farm Wilder is a social enterprise that markets meat from farms with exceptional wildlife, and supports these farmers in working more regeneratively. Fritillary Butterfly Beef, Cuckoo Beef and Cuckoo Lamb from their Devon farm group is on sale in the South West and online, and they also supply beef for Ember Snacks’ Steak Slices from Farm Wilder’s Wiltshire and Somerset farm group. Tim is also a part time wildlife TV executive producer, Lecturer and wildlife photographer.

Christian Crawford, Audit Manager, Bishop Fleming

As a member of Bishop Fleming’s Food & Drink team, Christian has gained a wealth of expertise and experience within the sector by working with a wide range of businesses from producers and manufacturers to those within the hospitality industry.

Christian applies a commercial approach to support clients with environmental and sustainability issues, drawing on his industry experience and Master's degree in Zoology. He also helps to drive Bishop Fleming's internal projects and has recently joined the Committee for the ICAEW West of England to support on regional sustainability initiatives.

Kim Brooks, Managing Director, The Community Farm

Kim is South London born, having started her professional life as a Financial Auditor in London and ended that profession in Australia to embark on a move towards food and farming. Having volunteered on several organic farms in Australia, Kim returned to the UK and moved to Bristol. Whilst completing a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture, Kim was able to volunteer at The Community Farm, where she is now Managing Director.

If you would like to join the Network please get in touch via: info@TheFutureEconomyGroup.co.uk

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