The objective of each event/workshop is to establish next steps and recommendations on encouraging climate progress in the agricultural community and industry.
To find out more about the themes for this year and how to get involved, visit: Countryside COP3, 20–24 November 2023
26 September – 26 October
Science that delivers on farm
Time: 8-9pm
Organised by UFU (Ulster Farmers’ Union), AFBI (Agri-Foods and Biosciences Institute) and Agrisearch
Theme: Food and water systems
Join our new webinar series:
- 26 Sep: Increasing Production Efficiency
- 3 Oct: Resilient Grassland Management
- 10 Oct: Dairy Nutrition
- 17 Oct: Nutrient Management in Grassland
- 24 Oct: Farm Case Studies of Carbon Benchmarking
Speakers included AFBI scientists and farmers.
Monday 20 November
National Grid – Our pathway to net zero
Time: 9-10am
Organised by National Grid Electricity Transmission
Theme: Energy transition
National Grid Electricity Transmission will discuss the pathway to the net zero by 2050 target by reimagining the energy network with an opportunity to ask questions.
Speakers: Sara Habib (National Grid Electricity Transmission).
Decarbonising from the field up
Time: 11am-12pm
Organised by Allerton Project
Theme: Food and water systems
With net zero targets in mind, we will explore what practical steps farmers might take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the farm level. What are some key practices and how might growers be encouraged to take them up. We will hear from farmers involved in the Climate Neutral Farms project and their practical insights into the easy wins and trickier trade-offs. We will also be joined by Nestle to hear their perspective on incentivising change.
Chaired by Alice Midmer (GWCT Allerton Project). Speakers: Joe Stanley (GWCT Allerton Project), Henry Reynolds (Mixed farmer from Northamptonshire), Martin Lines (Arable farmer from Cambridgeshire), Matt Ryan (Nestle UK).
Sustainable strategies to achieve integrated water protection in agriculture
Time: 12-1pm
Organised by Trinity Global Farm Pioneers
Theme: Food and water systems
The relationship between water protection and agricultural landscapes. Explore innovative on-farm strategies that not only enhance flood management, soil health, nutrient balance and habitat creation, but also address pressing challenges like nitrates in surface water. Gain insights from proactive farmers who are implementing nature-based solutions and discover the links between sustainable agricultural practices and effective water management.Speakers Chris Hewis (Anglian Water), Dr Emily Pope (Trinity Global Farm Pioneers).
To find out more, email [email protected]
Environmental benefits of precision agriculture
Time: 2-5pm
Organised by Agricultural Engineers Association
Theme: Science, technology and innovation
A wide range of precision agriculture technologies are available to farmers but effective adoption of them is far from universal. Such technologies have a wide range of environmental benefits, through lower use of chemicals, reduced soil compaction and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These benefits would only increase with wider uptake. This event will explore the benefits of precision technology, showcase some of the products currently available and consider what can be done to increase their adoption on UK farms.
Speakers: Dr Al Melhim (AEM), Stephen Howarth (AEA), James Woolway (Opico), Will Downie (John Deere), Andrew Tingey (Househam Sprayers), Tom Mowforth (JCB).
Venue: One Birdcage Walk in London. Places will be limited but there is also an option to join virtually. Please contact Stephen Howarth ([email protected]) if you would like to attend.
Enhancing climate resilience on farm: What's the challenge and how can we adapt to the changes?
Time: 3-4pm
Organised by the Met Office and ADAS
Theme: Food and water systemsChaired by Alex Deakin (Met Office). Speakers: Dr Andrew Cottrell (Met Office), Charles Ffoulkes (ADAS), Guy Singh-Watson (Riverford Organic Farmers), Mark Jelley (Mixed beef and arable farmer), Dr Ceris Jones (NFU), Dr Pete Falloon (Met Office), Dr Sarah Kendall (ADAS).
Tuesday 21 November
Mitigating carbon emissions associated with crop production
Time: 9-10:30am
Organised by ADAS
Theme: Food and water systems
To help growers calculate the carbon footprint of their crops and identify mitigation measures, the Yield Enhancement Network created a new farmer network called YEN Zero. YEN Zero provides analysis and benchmarking of combinable and forage crop carbon footprints on a per-field basis. Aimed at farmers and land managers, this webinar will introduce YEN Zero, explain why growers should benchmark their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help you to identify agronomic practices for reducing GHGs associated with crop production.
Speakers: Sarah Wynn (ADAS), Megan Tresise (ADAS), Will Oliver (YEN Zero Farmer).
Reducing emissions – Carbon footprinting and the Farm Soil Carbon Code
Time: 11-12pm
Organised by BASIS
Theme: Nature, land use and oceans
This webinar will explore the value of greenhouse gas and carbon foot-printing to establish a benchmark of emissions within farm businesses. We will explore tools, data required and how to analyse results to identify key practices that can be implemented by the relevant farm system to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration options.
The Sustainable Soils Alliance will also deliver an update on the UK Farm Soil Carbon Code, covering the technical details and standards that are under review as part of the Code, as well as the progress being made to ensure that the soil carbon marketplace delivers for farmers, investors, and the environment.
Speakers: Thomas Vaughan (BASIS), Becky Wilson (Farm Carbon Toolkit), Matthew Orman (SSA).
HSBC UK Agriculture, Forward Planning 2024 – Exploring sustainable finance and farming
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Organised by HSBC
Theme: Finance
Join HSBC UK Agriculture, Agrecalc the farm carbon calculator and Anderson's farm consultants for the launch of Forward Planning 2024, the 50th edition.
This latest version of HSBC Agriculture's farm budgeting guide brings some new content on carbon emissions and regenerative agriculture that can be used to plan ahead. The webinar will run through these updates, as well as how the HSBC Agriculture team can support farm businesses through HSBC's Green SME fund product.
Speakers: Steve Dunkley and Andy Hipwell (HSBC), Julian Bell (Agrecalc), Jamie Mayhew (Andersons).
Farm walk with our first Carbon Farmer of the Year competition winner
Time: 1-4:30pm
Organised by Farm Carbon Toolkit
Theme: Food and water systems
Our first winner of the Carbon Farmer of the Year competition is Doug Christie from Durie Farms, Leven in Fife. Doug is a mixed farmer with arable and suckler cattle. He will showcase what he is doing to lead the way in adopting farming practices and developing new technologies which reduce farm emissions whilst optimising output and adaptation to climate change.
For more information on the Carbon Farmer of the Year competition, the judging process and Doug Christie's winning bid see this article published by the Farm Carbon Toolkit.
Fuelling Farm Resilience: Strategies for Energy Self-Sufficiency
Time: 2-3pm
Organised by NFU Energy
Theme: Energy transition
Do you want the freedom from volatile energy markets and to put money back in your pocket? Then this webinar is for you. Join NFU Energy’s Head of Contract Sales Joshua Robinson, and Project Engineer Jonathan Sandercock who will provide insights into the energy market and get you on the road to energy self-sufficiency.
Speakers: Joshua Robinson, Jonathan Sandercock and Lisa Howkins (NFU Energy).
Managing land for food and water – A Yorkshire Water tenant farmers' evening
Time: 7pm
Organised by Yorkshire Water
Theme: Food and water systems
An evening discussion in North Yorkshire on Yorkshire Water’s Beyond Nature® Programme, including carbon, net zero, providing a home for nature and resilience, including water management. Includes a hot supper.
Speakers: Neil Pickard and Emma Coombs (Beyond Nature® Farming Officers).
This event is open to Yorkshire Water invitees only.
Wednesday 22 November
Creating resilient agriculture supply chains: Whose job is it to do what?
Time: 10-11am
Organised by the Met Office and ADAS
Theme: Food and water systems
The impacts of climate change on sourcing regions around the world will exacerbate supply chain challenges and the security of the supply of raw materials. How can we improve resilience? Whose job is it to do what – from supporting farmers, to meeting consumer demand?
Join ADAS, the Met Office, and the Food and Drink Federation to discuss how retailers and supply chains can help enhance climate resilience in UK agriculture. This webinar is aimed at retailers and supply chains.
Chaired by Alex Deakin (Met Office). Speakers: Tom Crocker (Met Office), Emma Piercy (Food and Drink Federation), Dr Pete Falloon (Met Office), Charles Ffoulkes (ADAS) and representatives from the supply chain.
RUMA: Environment – UK standards & global context
Time: 10-11:30am
Organised by RUMA
Theme: Health
The session will open with the headline findings from a desktop study commissioned by RUMA which explores the environmental aspects associated with the responsible use of medicines in agriculture.
A panel of speakers will then discuss the key findings of the report and explore any steps we have to take to ensure our use of medicines is responsible in terms of the whole One Health agenda.
Or rewatch the entire RUMA Conference.
How regional water resources planning can support sustainable agri-food systems
Time: 11:30am-1pm
Organised by Water Resources East and Water Resources South East
Theme: Food and water systems
Changes to abstraction licenses and the impacts of climate change mean we need a more holistic, integrated approach to planning for, and securing, future water needs. This is especially important for agriculture which, as a sector, is forecast to need almost 1.3 billion litres of water per day by 2050.
This interactive webinar will introduce regional water resources planning and discuss the challenges faced involving the agricultural sector, as well as opportunities and recommendations to make future regional plans truly multi-sector.
Chaired by Kelly Hewson-Fisher (Savills). Speakers: Dr Samantha Hughes (South East Rivers Trust), Lee Dance (WRSE), Daniel Johns (WRE), Dr Steve Moncaster (Cator & Co).
How can data improve performance and reduce impact?
Time: 1-2pm
Organised by Agrimetrics
Theme: Science, technology and innovation
Hear from farmers, processors, and solution providers on how they are using data to measure and verify production, performance, and profitability as they navigate the challenges of our food system.
Chaired by Helen Brookes (CIEL). Speakers: Rebecca Geraghty (Agrimetrics), Scott Davies (AgreCalc), Phil Hambling (ABP), Paddy Tarbuck (CIEL), as well as Sam Chesney (livestock farmer from Northern Ireland) and Mike Powley (mixed farmer from Yorkshire) who are ABP famers from the Prism 2030 initiative.
Rural Net Zero
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Organised by Rural Services Network
Theme: Energy transition
Looking at the implications of net zero for our rural communities. The session will focus on how we heat our rural homes, including the potential of heat networks.
Speakers: Kerry Booth (Rural Services Network) and Sam Hales (Gemserv).
The Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping Project – Cover Crops
Time: 4-5pm
Organised by The Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping Project at NIAB
Theme: Food and water systems
NIAB is investigating the potential to increase carbon capture on farm through four main cropping types: rotational cover crops, fibre crops, herbal leys, and perennial biomass crops.
This webinar will focus on how annual cover crops can be incorporated into rotations to enhance soil organic carbon whilst improving the resilience of the farming system.
Speakers: Dr Lydia Smith and Dr Nathan Morris (NIAB).
Carbon calculators: Assessing the tools in the box
Time: 6pm
Organised by Royal Agricultural Society of England
Theme: Science, technology and innovation
Are you considering a carbon assessment for your farm but unsure on which tool will be right for your business?
Join RASE as we delve into understanding the differences between the main carbon calculators available to farmers in the UK. Representatives from Agrecalc, Farm Carbon Calculator, Cool Farm Tool and Sandy will each share what their tool has to offer and we will look ahead to the future of farm carbon assessments.
Speakers include Julian Bell (Agrecalc), Charlie Curtis (Cool Farm Tool), Liz Bowles (Farm Carbon Calculator), Emily Pope or Anna Woodley (Sandy), with others TBC.
Breed for CH4nge – Breeding Low Methane Sheep
Time: 7pm
Organised by the National Sheep Association
Theme: Food and water systemsAn industry-wide, three year project to breed sheep with a naturally low carbon footprint to make a positive contribution to UK agriculture’s journey towards net zero. The initiative will collect data on methane emissions from a total of 13,500 sheep in 45 flocks, and develop tools to reduce the methane emissions and improve the efficiency of the national flock.
Speakers: Janet Roden (Innovis) and Phil Stocker (National Sheep Association).
Managing Land for Food and water – A Yorkshire Water Tenant Farmers' Evening
Time: 7pm
Organised by Yorkshire Water
Theme: Food and water systems
An evening discussion in South Pennines on Yorkshire Water’s Beyond Nature® Programme, including carbon, net zero, providing a home for nature and resilience, including water management. Includes a hot supper.
Speakers: Neil Pickard and Emma Coombs (Beyond Nature® Farming Officers).
This event is open to Yorkshire Water invitees only.
Thursday 23 November
Pasture for Life Systems as a Feasible Future Pathway
Time: 9:30-10:30am
Organised by Pasture for Life
Theme: Food and water systems
Hear research insights from the SEEGSLIP and PATHWAYS projects which offer us some options for future livestock scenarios.
Chaired by Nikki Yoxall (Pasture for Life). Speakers: Dr Lisa Norton (CEH) and Dr Laurence Smith (University of Reading).
Using a Natural Capital Valuation framework to measure farm benefits
Time: 12-1pm
Organised by Trinity Global Farm Pioneers
Theme: Science, technology and innovation
Join experts Nick Holmes, Sarah-Jane Laing, and Dr Alasdair Sykes to learn about Trinity's Natural Capital Valuation framework, helping farmers assess and communicate their farm's environmental and financial benefits.
Speakers: Nick Holmes (Chavereys), Sarah-Jane Laing (Scottish Land and Estates), and Dr Alasdair Skyes (Trinity AgTech).
To find out more, email [email protected]
Supporting a resilient agri-food sector: What are the big questions decision makers face?
Time: 3-4pm
Organised by the Met Office and ADAS
Theme: Food and water systems
ADAS and the Met Office will explore what mechanisms there are to support an agriculture and food sector that is resilient to climate change. We will also discuss the big choices that decision-makers need to make to support this transition. This webinar is aimed at policy and decision makers.
Chaired by Alex Deakin (Met Office). Speakers: Charles Ffoulkes (ADAS), Brendan Freeman (Climate Change Committee), Elizabeth Fuller (Met Office and Defra Secondee), James Clarke (ADAS), Mike Gooding (AHDB).
Farming a Greener Future
Time: 5:15pm
Organised by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Theme: Food and water systems
In partnership with ITN business, AHDB brings you a news-style programme to showcase how British agriculture is rising to the challenge of increased sustainability and food security. Anchored by journalist Duncan Golestani, the film features industry businesses focused on reducing the environmental impact of British read meat and dairy. It also raises awareness and understanding of the critical role of livestock within building a sustainable farming system that delivers nutritious food for all.
Friday 24 November
Breaking out of business-as-usual – different net zero paths for UK agri-food
Time: 10-11am
Organised by AFN Network+
Theme: Food and water systems
What might UK agri-food look like in 2050? Four scenarios of possible geopolitical and economic futures and what net zero would mean for the food system under each.
Speaker: Prof Neil Ward (AFN Network+).
The Role of Soil Carbon in the Dairy Industry
Time: 10-11:30am
Organised by Agricarbon and UK Dairy Roadmap
Theme: Nature, land use and oceans
Aimed at dairy companies, processors and farmers, this workshop explores soil carbon science and the opportunities and challenges of accounting and building soil carbon into net zero management strategies.
Chair TBC. Speakers include Dr Harry Kamilaris (Agricarbon), Delyth Lewis-Jones (AHDB), Mark Brooking (First Milk) and a farmer representative TBC.
The pathway to net zero: Brongain Farm case study
Time: 11:45am-12:45pm
Organised by Promar
Theme: Food and water systems
Please join us as we give a virtual tour of Brongain Farm, managed by British Beef Farmers of the Year, Greg and Rowan Pickstock.
Greg and Rowan are aiming to produce carbon neutral beef using commercially viable methods by 2030.
We will explore Brongain's grassland management, livestock health, choice of genetics, and Greg and Rowan's strategies to reduce costs and emissions.
This project is supported by McDonald’s UK & Ireland and OSI Europe and developed by Promar International.
Speakers: George Peart and James Royce (Promar)