Organiser of the National Organic Conference (NOC), OF&G, has announced details of this year’s event programme, taking place on 2 July 2024 at Kingsclere Estates in Hampshire.

Chaired by award winning journalist, documentary maker and organic farmer, Sarah Dickins, the first three conference sessions focus on critical drivers in organic farming: assessing environmental impacts, quality of food production, and ensuring financial viability.

Steven Jacobs, OF&G business development manager and NOC coordinator, believes the timetable highlights the benefits an organic approach can deliver, in the context of reconciling ecological outcomes and economic profitability.

READ MORE | Douglas Ross steps down as leader amid Tory turmoil

“This year’s NOC brings together speakers from across the organic community. At this time of massive upheaval requiring well considered transition strategies, it’s vital our audience benefits from pragmatic and practical solutions.

“Our speakers and panellists have a wealth of experience and expertise to share, and our host Tim May, brings all three elements to life by showcasing what’s been achieved by adopting a business focused and holistic mindset,” he says.

Starting from the ground up, independent farm consultant, Niels Corfield, will focus on the introduction of low maintenance, yet productive agroecological systems, such as those in operation at Kingsclere.

READ MORE | Campaign to highlight importance of harvest

Next up, Oliver Rubinstein from Trinity Ag Tech provides a detailed look at environmental and carbon benchmarking using their Sandy platform and its natural capital navigator, to reveal how organic practices deliver robust carbon cycling and tangible biodiversity net gains.

The AHDB’s Henny Lowth, will share insight into the organisation’s Monitor and Strategic Farm programme, with Tim becoming a Monitor Farm host in May 2024. This will be followed by the Organic Research Centre announcing the winner of the Young Organic Farmer of the Year award for 2024.

READ MORE | SAOS names Allene Bruce new supply chain head

In the fourth seminar, chair of UK Organic, Adrian Carne, discusses the current state of the UK organic market. With consumers facing increased ‘greenwashing’, UK Organic will unify the sector to deliver market growth by simplifying and promoting the organic message.

The final session draws together a distinguished panel, representing organisations from the UK’s organic community to share their insights into how greater resilience is building across UK organic food production. The morning conference will conclude with a lively Q&A.

Following an organic, locally sourced lunch prepared and served by the team from Michelin Guide listed restaurant Five Little Pigs, conference delegates will be shown key developments at Kingsclere Estates on a guided farm walk.

READ MORE | Scottish farmland market sees early surge in activity

With a vision to grow differently and to grow potential, Kingsclere operates partnerships with The Roaming Dairy and other enterprises across the business. The Roaming Dairy is a successful example of an innovative mobile approach offering flexibility and strength that moves across the land, improving both soil fertility and the quality of their produce.

“Tim has introduced some really forward-thinking strategies at Kingsclere. It is a fantastic example of how organic delivers high quality food that feeds into a sustainable and successful farming system,” says Mr Jacobs.

“OF&G’s aim is to raise awareness by presenting organic as it is, a powerful force for change. NOC provides a cohesive platform to facilitate discussion around integrating organic more widely, and exploring how organic’s mutually beneficial practices can be shared across UK farming.”

For more information about the National Organic Conference (NOC) and to book your place, visit National Organic Conference 1-2 July 2024.