Sponsors

McCain Foods GB

McCain Foods is the UK’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, employing over 1,400 people across four GB production facilities and our dedicated seed potato business in Scotland. With a household retail brand, foodservice business and ‘quick service restaurant’ range, McCain makes one in three UK frozen potato products.

We are the largest purchaser of the British potato crop, buying almost 20% of the total market. We have been building strong relationships with growers for over 50 years, partnering with 250 British farmers, some of whom have worked with us for three generations.

We are committed to supporting the long-term viability of the British potato industry. With a focus on sustainable farming, we are working with our growers to implement regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of our potato acreage by 2030. We are also passionate about playing our part in developing the skills and innovations required to future-proof our industry, which includes partnering with the OFC on the Inspiring Innovators programme

LinkedIn: McCainFoods

• https://www.mccain.co.uk
• Twitter: @McCainUKIE

McDonald's

McDonald’s has run its business in the UK since 1974 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The business currently operates over 1,450 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest private sector employers, employing over 177,000 people and works with over 23,000 British and Irish farmers.

• http://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb.html
• Twitter: @mcdonaldsuknews

NFU Mutual

Established in 1998 by rural insurer NFU Mutual, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust promotes and supports charitable causes in agriculture and rural development in the UK. Since it was first set up, the Trust has distributed donations totalling more than £8M to support a range of initiatives that tackle isolation, support mental health and wellbeing, and enrich young lives through agricultural education and innovation.

LinkedIn: NFU Mutual

• https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/
• Twitter: @nfum

BASF

BASF Agricultural Solutions are a leading manufacturer of crop protection innovation and digital solutions to support sustainable agriculture by balancing profitable farming with environmentally sustainable land management. 

• https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Biggest-Job-on-Earth/
• Twitter: @basfcropuk

Tesco

We are proud to be British agriculture’s biggest customer and a leading supporter of the thousands of British farmers we work with to provide customers with quality, affordable British produce year-round. Supporting British farmers, growers and suppliers remains critical to ensuring we have a robust food industry in the UK.

We continue to provide support in the wake of recent inflationary challenges and act as a key partner in tackling more long-term challenges such as climate change and nature loss.

We share our customers love of British produce and we want to do all we can to champion its quality and provenance, and make it as easy to find as possible, no matter how customers shop with us.

LinkedIn: Tesco

• https://www.tescoplc.com

TIAH

The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) is agriculture and horticulture’s professional body. As the home of skills and careers support, they help people and business fulfil their potential and the industry thrive. 

They support a profitable and sustainable industry by transforming the approach to training and skills development.

TIAH: working together to grow agriculture and horticulture's people

• https://tiah.org/
• Twitter: @TIAHnews

UK Agri-Tech Centres

The UK Agri-Tech Centre offers a complete life-cycle of support, driving agri-tech innovation and adoption through world-class facilities, expert knowledge and business support, saving you time and accelerating your progress.

We strengthen the connections between science, business and funders to accelerate research and development, tackling the agri-industry’s most critical challenges such as climate change, labour availability, disease mitigation and environmental sustainability.

As an independent company, we are trusted to provide leadership and guidance to progress transformational change for people and the planet while stimulating economic growth.

LinkedIn: Agri-Tech Centres

• https://www.agritechcentres.com/
• Twitter: @AgriTechCentres

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry succeed in a rapidly changing world. We want to create a world-class food and farming industry, inspired by and competing with the best.

Change is happening faster than ever and we’re entering a defining time for the industry. We’re on the cusp of a new agricultural revolution, with a shifting landscape where driving productivity and maintaining competitiveness is key to our farmers succeeding.

We have a responsibility to get farmers ready for the change that’s coming and helping them to not only survive but thrive. There are exciting opportunities for those willing to grasp them. We want to unite the whole industry around a common goal to lift productivity, bringing people together to collaborate, innovate, and drive change.

• http://www.ahdb.org.uk
• Twitter: @TheAHDB

Bayer Crop Science

Bayer Crop Science is the UK’s leading provider of innovative crop protection solutions from seed to harvest and beyond, supporting UK farmers and sustainable food production

They are an innovative and research-based company committed to providing our customers effective, tailor-made solutions and pioneering new product developments. 

• http://www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk
• Twitter: @Bayer4CropsUK

Birketts LLP

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 500 lawyers and legal professionals based in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory.

We are defined by our next level law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.

• https://www.birketts.co.uk/sector/agriculutre/
• Twitter: @birkettsllp

Brown&Co

Brown&Co is a leading provider of agency, consultancy and auction services across the whole range of rural, commercial & residential property, agriculture & the environment.

With offices throughout the UK, as well as in Eastern Europe and the Caribbean, we are able to advise a wide range of clients across the globe, by combining a high level of specialist expertise, a breadth of experience and local knowledge.

The firm has a real commitment to build strong, proactive and long-term relationships with both corporate and private clients, for whom we always strive to deliver the best results and total satisfaction.

• http://www.brown-co.com
• Twitter: @brownandcorural

CAAV

The UK-wide specialist professional body representing, briefing and qualifying agricultural valuers.  Members advise and act for a wide range of clients on the varied and interacting concerns of agricultural and rural businesses and property: land tenure, tax, farming agreements, environmental uses, official schemes, planning, compulsory purchase and much else. 

• https://www.caav.org.uk/
• Twitter: @CAAVAgValuer

Farmers Weekly

Farmers Weekly is the UK's leading farming magazine brining you all the news, reviews and actionable content you need to stay up to date in modern British agriculture.

LinkedIn: Farmers Weekly

• https://www.FWi.co.uk
• Twitter: @FarmersWeekly

Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust

The main objective of the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust is to contribute to the improvement and welfare of British agriculture.

Frontier Agriculture

Frontier Agriculture is the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing business, recognised for close customer relationships with farmers and grain consumers and the successful management of the arable supply chain.

Frontier works with UK farmers to support long-term, viable farming systems that increase the longevity of farming businesses, encourage high-quality crop production and help our farmed environment to become more resilient.

This holistic approach that balances food production and the need to maintain and increase natural capital is sustainable crop production.

LinkedIn: Frontier Agriculture

• http://www.frontierag.co.uk
• Twitter: @frontierag

Growing Kent & Medway and Digital Dairy Chain

Growing Kent & Medway and Digital Dairy Chain are regional innovation and enterprise clusters, government-funded through the UKRI’s flagship Strength in Places fund.

Funded for five years, both programmes support sustainable research, development and business growth in the horticulture and dairy sectors, respectively. Through investment in research facilities and infrastructure, business services, and grant funding, they aim to uplift their local economies, boost productivity and make our national food systems and supply chains more sustainable.

Growing Kent & Medway supports technology-driven horticulture, fresh produce packaging and plant-based food and drink processing and supply chains. The programme was awarded £18m and is industry match-funded.

Digital Dairy Chain has a grant of £21m to create an advanced, sustainable, and digitally connected dairy supply chain across Cumbria and the South and West of Scotland.

LinkedIn: Growing Kent & Medway   

www: Growing Kent & Medway

LinkedIn: Digital Dairy Chain    

www: Digital Dairy Chain
 

Map of Ag

At Map of Ag, we stand at the forefront of a sustainable agricultural revolution, forging a world where industry and farms thrive in harmonious collaboration. As the Agricultural Data Exchange, we aim to: simplify farm data, foster transparent supply chains, and drive actionable insights at scale. Our platform empowers the industry with a leading data permissioning solution, allowing farms to securely share data seamlessly.

From benchmarking environmental sustainability to simplifying complex data sources, we are dedicated to building farmer trust, improving resilience, and championing regenerative practices. Join us in shaping a future where data connectivity transforms agriculture, ensuring a balance between feeding a growing population and preserving our planet. 

LinkedIn: Map of Ag

• https://www.mapof.ag/
• Twitter: @MapOfAg

NIAB and Plumpton College

NIAB is a leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, and strong links with industry, Government and academia.

Based in Cambridge, plus regional offices around the UK, NIAB provides scientific research, technical services and practical advice across the arable, forage and horticulture sectors. Plumpton College is located in the South Downs National Park, East Sussex, and is one of only 12 independent land and environment science colleges nationally.

With excellent practical and demonstration facilities for students the college offers a broad specialist curriculum in 19 course areas including apprenticeships, degree courses, and diverse courses for employers and adults.

LinkedIn: NIAB

LinkedIn: Plumpton College

• http://www.niab.com
• Twitter: @niabgroup

RABI (OFC25 Charity Partner)

RABI provide expert mental health and wellbeing support as well as financial, emotional and practical help to farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The charity’s grants empower farming people to become financially resilient, and their expert mental health support builds emotional resilience to help farming people feel better equipped to tackle the many uncertainties and challenges that our farming communities face today. 

RABI’s freephone 24/7 helpline on 0800 188 4444 offers confidential help tailored to applicants.

LinkedIn: RABI

• https://rabi.org.uk/how-we-can-help/click-and-chat/
• Twitter: @RABICharity

RSPB

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, dedicated to protecting birds and wildlife and preserving the environments they depend on. With over a century of conservation experience, the RSPB engages in habitat restoration, species recovery, and environmental advocacy to safeguard nature for future generations.

The RSPB also plays a pivotal role in promoting nature-friendly farming practices, recognising the vital connection between agriculture and biodiversity. It collaborates with farmers to implement wildlife-friendly techniques, such as creating habitats for pollinators, managing grasslands, and reducing pesticide use. Through initiatives like Fair to Nature, the RSPB encourages sustainable farming methods that boost biodiversity while maintaining productive farms. The charity’s efforts aim to help farmers build resilience to climate change, improve soil health, and create thriving rural landscapes that benefit both wildlife and communities.

LinkedIn: RSPB

• https://www.rspb.org.uk/
• Twitter: @Natures_Voice

Savills

For over 165 years, we’ve been helping clients thrive through places and spaces. Founded as a rural surveying business, our roots are embedded in the countryside. With over 900 rural colleagues in 32 offices around the country, we support clients of all sizes with food and farming consultancy, forestry management, tourism and leisure consultancy, natural capital services and more.

• http://www.savills.co.uk/rural
• Twitter: @SavillsRuralUK

The Farming Community Network

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and ‘walk with’ people at times of difficulty and change.

FCN has a wide network of volunteers, located throughout England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face. Their volunteers provide free and confidential support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. FCN also runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline (help@fcn.org.uk).

Through a UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support they are working together to better understand health inequalities in rural communities, challenge barriers to cancer care and to strengthen support for people affected by cancer.

LinkedIn: The Farming Community Network

• https://www.fcn.org.uk
• Twitter: @fcncharity

Thrings solicitors

Thrings’ highly experienced and industry-renowned Agriculture team has been providing specialist legal advice to those involved in farming and rural affairs for more than a century. Thrings has the largest specialist agricultural team of any law firm in the UK, and prides itself on its strong and long-term connections with many parts of the agricultural sector including the NFU, having been appointed as the legal panel firm for the NFU’s South and East regions.

LinkedIn: Thrings

• http://www.thrings.com/
• Twitter: @ThringsLaw

WWF-UK

WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation. Our mission is to create a world where people and wildlife can thrive together.

Our vision is of a future where food production, nature and tackling climate change go hand in hand, led by farmers and growers, supported by governments and businesses.

LinkedIn: WWF-UK

• https://www.wwf.org.uk/food/government-must-fix-food-system
• Twitter: @wwf_uk

Albanwise Ltd

Albanwise Environment manages wetland, woodland, hedgerows, peatland, and agri-environment habitats. Its business is also involved in landscape recovery projects, nutrient neutrality, wetland restoration and the woodland planting.

LinkedIn: Albanwise 

• https://www.albanwise-environment.co.uk

Circular Agriculture Hub

At the Circular Agriculture Hub, we intercept fruits and vegetables that don’t make it past the farm-gate and provide additional routes for redistribution and value recovery. We believe farmers should be at the heart of a system that improves farmers’ livelihoods, tackles food waste, and provides access to fruits and vegetables to everyone.

• https://circularagriculturehub.co.uk/

Co-operatives UK

Co-operatives UK is the network for Britain’s thousands of co-operatives and provides extensive governance and training services. From lobbying government to create the right conditions for farmer-owned businesses to flourish, to conducting full Board evaluations to help agricultural co-operatives thrive, we work tirelessly to promote and develop our members.

LinkedIn: Cooperatives UK

• https://www.facebook.com/CooperativesUK
• Twitter: @CooperativesUK

Defra

Defra’s stall will provide information on the latest farming reform news and an opportunity to comment and contribute to schemes and grants. The stall will also benefit from RPA representation, allowing farmers and land managers chance discuss any concerns they have in respect of ongoing or future applications for support.

Lantra

Lantra is an independent, awarding/accreditation body which exists to help the land-based and environment industries meet their skills needs. We develop and certify specialist training and qualifications for a range of industries. 

We specialise in a wide range of areas, from; agriculture and plant; to forestry and highways; landscape and vehicles, to horticulture and machinery; and much more besides. 

LinkedIn: Lantra

• http://lantra.co.uk
• Twitter: @LantraUK

Opportunity International UK

Our vision is a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose. By providing innovative financial solutions, training and support, we equip and empower people living in poverty to build sustainable, resilient livelihoods that can transform their family's future.

LinkedIn: Opportunity International 

• https://www.opportunity.org.uk/
• Twitter: @oi_uk