Pictured above: Meriden MP Caroline Spelman (left) with Melanie Kerkeni from Heart of England Conference and Events Centre

Around 70 farmers and industry representatives packed a meeting near Coventry to discuss the global challenges in the grain sector and how research and new technology can help.

Defra Minister Caroline Spelman, Meriden MP, was among an impressive line-up of speakers at the 'Growing Locally: Farming Globally' event at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Meriden Road, Fillongley.

West Midlands' farmers focused on issues ranging from the impact world trade is having on their businesses to the combinable crops supply chain.

Farmers also discussed volatile prices and the need to produce more but impact less in the face of population increases, climate change and the need to protect resources.

Professor Ian Crute, chief scientist of AHDB, spoke about the current global challenges and told delegates they "not only presented an opportunity but an obligation" while Professor Maurice Moloney, Institute Director of Rothamsted Research Centre, told delegates how science is responding.

Ian Backhouse, NFU combinable crops board chairman, spelt out how the policy framework can and should help arable farmers rise to the challenges while Richard Smith, Daylesford Organic farm manager, argued that there is still a place for organic farming and the environment.

Delegates heard from Caroline Spelman about current Government policy and she outlined reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, the work of the farm regulation task force to cut red tape and other industry issues including plans for a grocery adjudicator.     

She said the Government was working hard to find a fair deal for farmers, the food industry, taxpayers and the environment and she called for NFU members to meet the possibility of a smaller CAP budget with energy and resourcefulness. 

The Minister said the Government was determined to help create conditions to allow farm businesses to succeed and thrive and it was accepted they could not yet remove direct payments.

Melanie Kerkeni, sales and business development manager at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, said they had been pleased to host an event which had attracted such a high calibre of speakers.

"The farmers who attended the event were complimentary about their day with us since this was an ideal opportunity for them to get together to discuss and find out more information on issues which are pertinent to their business on a day-to-day basis," she said.

"One of the reasons the NFU held their debate here was because we use locally sourced food. The farmers' bacon rolls when they arrived were full of British bacon and our chefs always cook homemade food so they made hearty meat pies for lunch.

"The main event room looked fantastic, and we provided the PA system and microphones along with our Audio Visual technician to provide the best possible service to the speakers.

"Our location in the heart of the region plus our facilities means we host a wide range of events, conferences and seminars in various sectors and it was great to welcome the NFU to Heart of England."