Farming News & Events

Following the great success of the first Transition Farms Seminar held at the Royal Agricultural College earlier this year we are pleased to announce that we are now repeating the event in Exeter on the 10th November 2009.

The event will focus on how to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and cope with climate change. Giving practical advise and solutions that can be implemented now in local agriculture and food production.

Rob Hopkins, Transition network has kindly agreed to chair the event and Sam Henderson, Agrarian Renaissance and John Sheaves, Taste of the West will also be joining us.

We do hope that you find the event of interest and if you would like a display table/area in our mini-exhibition that will held during the networking lunch then please let me know as there is only limited space available.

A booking form is attached for your convenience but if you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact me.

The last event was oversubscribed so please do book your delegate place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

I apologise if this has already been sent to you.

Many thanks in advance,

Best wishes,

Beverley

Beverley Allen
Network Manager
South West Rural Update.
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
01285 889872 ext 2317
Mobile:0787 536 2027

Transition Farms

Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter, Exeter Suite

Tuesday 10th November 2009, 9:30 – 16:30

“Agriculture 2050 – a day considering the options for local agriculture & food production after fossil fuels have run out and climate change is really here.”

Programme

09:30 Registration, coffee and networking

10:00 Introduction to South West Rural Update ~ Simon King, Director, Business Development Centre, Royal Agricultural College

10:05 Chair’s introduction ~Rob Hopkins, Transition Network

10:10 Climate change, Soil and Agricultural landscape in 2050 – “Setting the Scene” ~ Dr John Conway, Director, MSc International Rural Development, Royal Agricultural College

10:30 Composting and Anaerobic Digestion - “What’s happening now and solutions for the future” ~ Chris Reynell, Bioplex Technologies

10:50 No fertiliser - “where’s the nitrogen going to come from?” ~ Laurence Smith, The Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm

11:10 Refreshments

11:30 A Landscape Study – “Dorset Downs 2050” ~ Simon Bates, Natural England

11:50 Transition Pathways – “Creating viable, resilient, food and farming enterprises”~ Sam Henderson, Agrarian Renaissance

12:10 Local Food Chains on a Farming Scale ~ John Sheaves, Taste of the West

12:30 Lunch and mini-exhibition

13:30 Key messages of the day and introduction to the workshops ~ Richard Baines, RAC

13:45 Workshops:

Chris Reynell “Energy from waste” Morning Lecture Theatre

Simon Bates “Future Landscapes” Lunch Room

Sam Henderson “Transition Pathways Applied” Room 1, 2nd Floor

John Conway “Soil Management” Room 2, 2nd Floor

14:30 Workshops repeated.

15:15 Return to main Seminar room for closing remarks ~ Chair, Rob Hopkins

15:30 Coffee & Cake ~ further networking