Event Details
Thursday 23 April 2026
2:45PM - 7:30PM
Plumpton College, Ditchling Road,
BN7 3AE
The cost of this event is £10 per person
Join us for inspiring talks, practical takeaways, networking and food as the South East Future of Farming Conference returns this spring.
We have decided to donate 100% of the cost of the ticket price to this year's chosen charity which is
The Country Trust
This event is open to everyone
A diverse range of speakers sharing experiences and practical support will appear at our Future of Farming Conference 2026 - and bookings are now open.
For the fourth year it will be held at Plumpton College's £10m AgriFood Centre in Sussex, run by the college, CLA and Virgin Money.
An exciting mix of speakers will share their farming experiences and advice. The line-up includes:
- Brian Richardson, Virgin Money
- George Eustice, former Defra Secretary of State, 'Through the political Looking glass - a view of farming and its opportunities'
- Laura Rous, Dennington Hall Farms, ' Heritage, change and sustainability for a generational estate'
- Dr Louise Manning, PhD in Global Food Production & MD, LJM Associates Ltd. ' Pivoting farming businesses to be able to grasp future opportunities'
- Crispin Alexander, Castle Farm, home to the largest lavender farm in the UK, 'the diversification Journey of Castle Farm'
- Holly Morris, Plumpton Alumnus & Owner of Butterbox Farm, 'Farm Diversification and value add'
- Chaired by Kelly Hewson-Fisher, Director & Head of Rural Research, Savills.
Farmers, landowners, students and professionals from across the region are warmly invited. We will conclude with a panel Q&A followed by networking, drinks reception and a light supper from the college sponsored by Virgin Money. Programme 2:45pm - Registration and refreshments3:15pm - Welcome3:20pm -Speakers6:30pm - Conclusions/Wrap up6:45pm - Networking, drinks reception and light supper