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Paul and Sally Heygate Chairman is farmer, miller and baker p3 & 4
Farmers Club Over 160 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen
FRONT COVER New Club Chairman Paul Heygate, pictured with wife Sally, takes over the reins with a wealth of experience in farming, milling and baking.
Contents
Disclaimer: The articles published in The Farmers Club Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of The Farmers Club. No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in the magazine can be accepted by the publisher. Advertisements are included in good faith’. All rights reserved.
3
4
Chairman’s Comments Horse Guards Avenue acquisition promises a bright future for the Farmers Club
4
Farmer, miller, baker and Club chairman The Heygate family business traces food production from field to shelf, via state-of-the-art mills and bakeries
6
Power league Where does the UK sit in the global agricultural hierarchy?
7
8
Horse Guards expansion project Plans to expand the Club find favour with members
8
Bridging the age divide Too many younger farmers feel stranded in the 26 to 46 age gap. A new initiative aims to meet their development needs
9
New thinking at Nuffield Annual event highlights fresh farming perspectives
10 Cutting food waste FareShare is a charity geared to rescuing food that has passed its best before or use by date
10
12 Beddington view Science can feed the world, says Government’s top scientist
14 Foundation for success A fresh approach to training tomorrow’s top farming advisers
16 Farming in the Park Major farming initiative for 2013 gets Royal launch
18 Under 30s
02 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Photo: www.beaumont-photography.com
16
Oxford farm walk weekend highlights
19 What value water? Our Under 30s writer asks whether farmers place the right value on their farm water resources
21 Whitehall Court Ramblings Horse Guards Avenue update and on-line bookings
22 Information and Diar y Dates
Chairman’s Comments • Paul Heygate
Chairman’s Comments
On One Horse Guards Avenue we do need to be cognisant of the need for the finances to be absolutely right. Affordability is the key.
LET ME congratulate Richard Holland my predecessor on a first class year as Chairman of the Club and for setting standards that will be hard to follow. I feel very honoured to be your chairman for 2012. It is a conspicuous year for several reasons, not least Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. But it is also the year in which the Club has the chance to make a bold new step through the potential acquisition of part of One Horse Guards Avenue. But more of that later. Let me first introduce myself. My father, himself a former committee member of The Farmers Club, encouraged me to join the Club when I was 21. I was living and working in Norfolk for the family business, which has interests in farming, milling and baking (see p 4&5). I had little opportunity to visit London at the time, but was nonetheless instrumental in being part of the group that formed the Under 30s. What followed was a period of almost 30 years during which my attention was focused on my family and the family business. I regret very much, missing out during that time on the friendship this great Club provides.
about involving members in all parts of the UK and listening to their views. That is why I am particularly pleased to be organising a programme of regional events and tours in the UK this year. The two highlights for me will be a two-day visit to Norfolk in May and hopefully a two day visit to Yorkshire in September. There will be no overseas visits this year. There will also be many other occasions both in London and across the country where we will be attending various shows and events. Now, what about One Horse Guards Avenue? I have to say I am fully supportive of the trustees. It is a great opportunity for the Club. We simply cannot stand still. But we do need to be cognisant of the need for the finances to be absolutely right. Affordability is the key.
More rooms If more rooms mean more members can stay at the Club, and we can let more rooms for business meetings and private functions, creating more income, that makes a lot of sense. What we cannot do is burden ourselves with debt we cannot service and on this I am fully confident that your Trustees and committee are taking a very positive stance. The opportunity is there and we should give it a try. But let us not lose sight of the need to run the Club as a business, not the business as a club. I look forward to meeting many of you during the next twelve months. Paul Heygate
Club connections It was only as I became more involved with the National Association of British and Irish Millers, and spending an increasing amount of time in London, that connections with the Club resurfaced. A senior member suggested that I should stand for the committee, and after six years of service, one of the Trustees suggested I might take on the role of Honorary Treasurer. Those four years as Honorary Treasurer enabled me to learn a great deal about the club and its workings. With support from the Chairman, Trustees, committee, the accountant, and the executive we instigated significant changes, which included a new computer system and improved accounting procedures to help in managing and running the Club. At the same time we realigned the cashflow to support the on-going £100,000 to £150,000 a year refurbishment programme to further boost occupancy levels, which has in itself given us more problems. The introduction of payment by credit card was an important step and I welcome the drive to develop an on-line booking system for members. Of course The Farmers Club is not just about our wonderful premises in London – it is also very much
www.thefarmersclub.com • 03
Chairman profile
Farmer, miller, baker ... and new Club chairman
New Club chairman Paul Heygate has interests in the grain chain from field to plate. Charles Abel finds out more
THE Heygate group spans farming, flour and feed milling and baking, with 7500 acres of mainly arable land in England, seven flour mills on three sites, a feed mill and two modern bakeries. It is a family business which has farmed in Northamptonshire since 1562 and moved into serious milling in the 19th century, when Mr Heygate’s grandfather and grandmother took over the family mill at Bugbrooke. “It was a mill on a stream, with records going back to the Domesday Book, which was grinding grain for local farmers.” The site is now the group’s headquarters, straddling the River Nene, pronounced nen here, but neen by the time it gets to Peterborough, notes Mr Heygate. The biggest change came in 1942, when fire destroyed the mill. Its replacement was capable of converting 24 sacks of wheat into 18 sacks of flour (4t of wheat to 3t of flour) every hour, plus bran for a feed mill alongside. In 1944 a further mill was acquired at Tring in Hertfordshire, followed by the Downham Market mill in Norfolk in 1958. Subsequent investments have made Heygates the country’s largest independent country miller. But there’s a lot more to Heygates than milling. Paul, and cousin Bob, are joint chairmen and joint managing directors, of a group with over 900 staff and a turnover exceeding £200 million.
Farming focus The group’s main farming operation is 5,500 acres of mostly owned, fully irrigated breckland around Swaffham and Beachamwell in Norfolk. Cropping includes 1400 acres of salad, ware, crisping and chipping potatoes, plus wheat and barley, mostly for seed, rye for malting or baking and sugar beet, as well as letting land for carrot, parsnip and onion production, all of which will be visited during the Club’s summer tour to nearby Sandringham in May. A further 1000 acres around Harrold in Bedfordshire and 1000 acres around Northampton produce milling wheat, oilseed rape and beans. Mr Heygate, whose father was a Club committee member, joined the Farmers Club nearly 50 years ago. He helped establish the Under 30s group and as Club Treasurer assissted in transforming the Club’s accounting systems and to better align cashflow to support the on-going £100,000 to £150,000 a year refurbishment programme. This has helped boost occupancy levels significantly. Married to Sally, and with two grandchildren through daughter Sarah, Mr Heygate guards family life closely. He is a governor of Moulton College, was a governor of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, a former President of the National Association of British and Irish Millers and serves on the court of the Worshipful Company of Bakers. He has a keen interest in shooting and is clearly very happy to see Sarah getting involved in the family business with her cousins.
Innovation But while Heygates preserves the family business virtues of quality, loyalty and good staff relations, it is also a very modern, entrepreneurial company. Aside from investing millions in state-of-the-art
04 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Chairman profile
a day too late, but it means we know where every part of the business is. We are in fast moving industries and we have to be able to react fast,” Mr Heygate emphasises. Although the feed plant is beside the flour mill at Bugbrooke, it is a separate enterprise. “Every part of the business is a profit centre in its own right.” That is just as well; bran from the flour mills is now snapped up for cereal manufacturing instead of going for animal feed. Seven flour mills on three sites consume more than 400,000t of wheat a year, the vast majority coming from British farms. “It is what retailers want.” More than 80 grades of flour are produced, for breads, cakes, pizzas, burger buns, chapattis, biscuits and more besides, supplying large manufacturing plants, in-store supermarket bakeries and small craft bakeries. Heygates prides itself on delivering a bespoke, premium product, with a strong personal touch. “Our Technologists, on-site test mill and bakery mean we can develop products to meet the specific needs of clients. If they phone us they can get through to me. It is what they want. We are in the business of producing products with an identity.” It is a business model that works, mill turnover rapidly approaching £100m and a new £6m-plus 15t/hour fully-automated mill being built just two years ago.
Personal contact
(Left) Paul Heygate is joint-chairman of a family business with a turnover in excess of £200m and employing over 900 staff (Top) A family affair – Sarah, Paul and Sally Heygate enjoy some late autumn sun (Above) Bugbroke Mill in Northants includes state-of-the-art milling technology
facilities throughout the organisation, it pioneered top quality burger bun manufacturing in the UK and has interests in a specialist milling business in France. The feed mill at Bugbrooke produces 110,000t of ruminant and mono-gastric feed a year, mostly sold direct to farmers, and is growing. “It’s a very competitive sector and with sales of £350,000 a week you’ve got to know where you are going and move quickly”. It is a recurring theme – monitoring performance and moving fast. “We have last week’s figures available by mid-day on Wednesday. That is probably
Only 15% of the flour produced goes into Heygate bakeries. “Each week over 80% of what we produce goes onto the open market. It is a bigger exposure than some, but we are happy to have it. It means a lot of hard work, but it builds relationships too, that regular personal contact. It’s something I’ve devoted my life to and I love it.” Clients range from 700t/week to craft bakers taking a tonne a fortnight. “We have more than 1000 flour customers, from Ramsgate to St Just and Haverfordwest to Scarborough. We operate 24/7, including deliveries on Saturday and Sunday, it is what they want.” Behind it all is a loyal team of over 900 staff. “We have a wonderful group of people, who really understand the business. Some families are in their third generation with us, and their support and dedication is invaluable.” In 1964 Heygates acquired a small plant bread bakery in Banbury. When large baking groups were being formed in the late 1960s Heygates stayed independent, investing in a new bakery to produce sliced, wrapped bread, to supply the growing demand for these products. Today it is one of just nine plant bread manufacturers, employing 500 people and supplying millions of loaves a week and a range of bakery goods to own-label customers, including supermarkets, independent retailers, sandwich makers and caterers. “What matters is not how much flour we use, but the bottom right hand corner figure,” stresses Mr Heygate. Judging by last November’s opening of a brand new £20m bakery in Newton Heath, Manchester, it is strong. “Quality Tells” is Heygates slogan; maybe it should be “Quality Sells”.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 05
Policy
Global power rankings The UK’s position in the hierarchy of global food production was a key theme at the Oxford Farming Conference
Government policy needs to reflect UK’s ranking in global power rankings – 2012 Oxford Conference director Cedric Porter
RARELY are all the elements of global agricultural power discussed, which is why the Oxford Farming Conference’s Directors commissioned SAC to research where power lies in the world, who holds it and what it means to the UK. The Power In Agriculture report examined where the economic, political and natural resource power currently lies; how that might change and what it means for British farmers, explained 2012 Conference Chairman Cedric Porter. The study was backed by Lloyds TSB Agriculture, Massey Ferguson and Volac and attracted significant interest from Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman. The relative power rankings are shown in the table (below), where 5 denotes a high power score. The UK currently ranks respectably for political, corporate and trade power, but is vulnerable in the long-term to the availability and control over natural and mineral resources. “This report shows the UK retains its historically large influence in global agriculture, but with countries such as China and Brazil coming up the ranks, government will need to act with policy to retain this position,” Mr Porter said. For the UK to continue to punch above its weight it will need to strengthen agricultural output significantly, making investment into research and development of primary importance. “British farmers are already experiencing the impact of increasingly global agricultural trade and power shifting eastward to countries such as China and India. This coupled with the likely increase in trade liberalisation and de-regulation will make the UK more exposed. Exacerbating our threats further still is the impact of dwindling access to natural resources in the British Isles, including energy and minerals.”
Trading relationships The report shows trading relationships are a key factor and the UK’s position as a major importer/exporter is crucial to its success. Trade is concentrated amongst relatively few countries, the top 20 export/importers accounting for 78% of all exports and 70% of imports. Trade patterns reflect location and historic relationships, but are evolving; particularly noticeable is the rising importance of the BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Corporate power “With CAP reform back on the agenda the Government must recognise the need for policy to increase farm production and sustainability, and to ensure the relationship between corporates and the UK’s farmers is more balanced,” Mr Porter added. “The UK has a disproportionate concentration of trans-national corporations based here, which gives us strength in corporate power. In global terms that is positive, since those organisations are powerful when it comes to decisions affecting agriculture. But while that brings international influence, it does not necessarily translate into an improved position for our farmers.” Ongoing takeovers and mergers mean Trans National Corporations are increasingly dominant. Estimates suggest: • Four companies account for 75-90% of global grain trade • 10 companies represent over 40% of the global retail market • Seven companies control virtually all fertiliser supply • Five companies share 68% of the world’s agrochemical market • Three companies control almost 50% of the proprietary seeds market Future trade estimates suggest the focus of power is likely to remain with the EU and US, although BRICS countries will continue to gain importance. A key reason for power remaining in the EU and US is the role of TNCs in the agriculture of emerging countries. “This is not the time for the UK to damage or relinquish its productive capacity. Quite the opposite, it needs to strengthen it,” Mr Porter concluded. Order a copy of The Power in Global Agriculture from OFC website www.ofc.org.uk.
Regional Power Index for Agriculture Power is rated 1-5, with 5 highest Dimension
US
EU27
Russia
China
UK
Japan
Australasia
Brazil
Trade
5.0
4.5
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
2.0
Corporate
5.0
5.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Political
5.0
5.0
3.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
1.0
1.0
Natural
4.0
3.5
3.5
4.5
2.0
1.5
3.3
3.3
Minerals
2.5
1.3
4.3
3.3
1.0
0.0
1.0
2.3
Total
21.5
19.3
14.8
14.8
13.0
11.0
9.8
9.5
06 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Club expansion
Horse Guards Avenue project wins warm welcome from members Ambitious plans to expand into One Horse Guards Avenue have drawn an enthusiastic response from members I can honestly say I was blown away when I read the cover and back page of the latest journal! How very exciting and I still cannot quite believe that we find ourselves in such a fortunate position. This really is the opportunity of a lifetime and one that we must seize with both hands!! I truly hope the rest of the membership embrace this opportunity and give you and the committee the support that you all deserve! David J. Slack Biddenden, Kent Congratulations on the chance to acquire the farm next door as you so nicely put it. You must grab it with both hands in my view. I’ve been a member of the Farmers Club now for give or take forty years. It has a formative part in our family’s understanding of what London is about. Actually we spent some time on the return leg of our honeymoon there, much to my father-in-law’s disapproval who thought it must be some seedy B&B in the East End. Little did he know! So if you are doing a whiparound of long standing club members, count me in. Matt Dempsey Cellbridge, County Kildare Your article regarding One Horse Guards Avenue is already creating a lot of interest in Kent. Several younger members have suggested buying a Debenture for £10,000! Perhaps not the right structure, but you have certainly got people talking. Roddy Loder-Symonds Canterbury, Kent
The expansion proposals brought to mind some of the stories my father, John Harris, former chairman and trustee of the Club, used to tell. Not least of these was the wonderful Eastwood tale when the Club needed to appeal to members for money. As Dad always put it Eastwood’s man of business appeared with the post and reported that there was a letter from the Club. “What do they want?” asked Eastwood. The reply came, “£250,000, sir”. “Well write them a cheque!” was Eastwood’s response. I’m sure if the business case is made and if the proposal doesn’t saddle the Club with too much debt Dad would be all in favour – on the “expand or die” principle he often believed in. I will certainly make a contribution in Dad’s memory and I very much hope you find an Eastwood as it were - that would really help. PS. I may have the amount of the Eastwood donation wrong but I am sure it was a very significant sum and the appeal was met in full. Bridget Harris Hever, Kent It is exciting news about the possible purchase and the new bedrooms. Anthony Rickards Collinson Carnforth, Lancs My wife Min and I would like to convey our wholehearted support for the initiative. As you have identified it is indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity. Having experienced some frustration with the limitations of the existing facilities, at both a personal and business level, the proposed expansion will make a considerable difference to the ability to serve Members requirements. We look forward to the next stage in the evolution of the Club in 2013! Mark Flemington Sevenoaks, Kent
Just a short note to say I am impressed by the plans for expansion. Congratulations on these. Dr David Dent Fleet, Hampshire I was very interested to read all about the great expansion plans. I wonder if you knew what you were taking on when you started. It looks impressive; all strength to your arm! Thomas Wheatley-Hubbard Ilmington, Warwickshire I have just read your article in the latest Farmers Club Journal. My answer is “go for it”. Dr Paul Biscoe Silsoe, Bedford I thought your article on the opportunity to expand the Club was first class. It will not, as you know, be an easy project but it will be hugely rewarding and interesting. I wish you lots of luck and ultimate success. Grieve Carson Rye, East Sussex I write as a Life member of the Club, to support wholeheartedly the outline proposals which are contained in the latest issue of the Journal. I shall be very happy to contribute financially. Alastair Wilson Chichester, West Sussex
LATEST INFORMATION Details of the Club’s fundraising plans for One Horse Guards Avenue will be announced soon. For the latest news on this and more about the potential acquisition of One Horse Guards Avenue visit the specially created Extension Plans page on the Club’s website at www.thefarmersclub.com. The Club is also keen to keep members briefed by e-mail. Simply send your current e-mail address to update@thefarmersclub.com. Members who do not have email will still receive information by post.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 07
Development
Bridging the age divide A new initiative aims to support farmers in the 26+ age group. Farmers Guardian editor Emma Penny explains the ideas behind FG26/46 (Top) Sharing experiences and looking beyond the farming industry for inspiration are key aspects of FG 26/46. (Above) FG 26/46 aims to plug the gap between YFC and NFU, says Farmers Guardian editor Emma Penny, 2010 British Society of Magazine Editors Editor of the Year (Business & Professional Weekly).
ASK anyone who works for a large company, and they’ll probably tell you training and development is all part of their career progression. It’s more than likely they’ll tell you how good it is to meet people who are in the same situation as them, to share their challenges and seek some support. And chances are they often get an opportunity to look at how different sectors operate too. So why should farming be any different? Tasked with one of the most important jobs – producing food – it seems somehow wrong that farmers often don’t have access to those same personal development and career enhancing opportunities. Of course, it could be argued that YFC or NFU
08 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
provide some of that – and sometimes they do. But there is often a gap between the time when many people leave YFC and when they join the NFU. It’s a time when many younger farmers face their biggest management challenges, and are considering the future direction for their farming business. It is often when they need to make big decisions, yet have few people in the same situation to discuss options with. That’s where the FG26/46 initiative aims to fill the gap. Farmers Guardian set up FG26/46 in March 2010, based around three key ideas – regional discussion groups, visits to interesting businesses and an online resource area at www.farmersguardian.com. It aims to get like-minded people together to hear from inspiring speakers and businesses, and to network and talk to other people at the same point in their career and facing similar challenges. We’re also keen to ensure every group is cross-sector, so people meet a range of farmers from their area, not just other dairy or arable farmers, as often happens at technical events. The agenda extends to the wider business world too. Farming often sees itself as a special case, and while on some counts it is, similar challenges are faced in many other sectors. This wider approach has meant we’ve heard from entrepreneurs and company bosses who have openly shared the challenges, triumphs and disasters they have faced in their careers, prompting discussion and helping FG26/46 members tackle some difficult issues. We were lucky to secure some excellent founder partners in Bank of Scotland, DHL Supply Chain, Lloyds TSB and Waitrose. They’ve helped organise some excellent visits, for instance, to the Jaguar Land Rover plant at Solihull where we looked at how DHL and Land Rover work together to ensure the supply chain is not only robust but much more efficient too. We’re still working hard to set up more regional groups, having already established successful crosssector groups in southern England, North West England, and the East Midlands. New groups in the South West, central and south Scotland, mid Wales, Northern Ireland and the West Midlands are in the process of launching. We have a great team of regional champions who are organising our local meetings, one of whom is Farmers Club committee member Andrew Brown. Farmers Guardian is absolutely committed to supporting and championing younger farmers, and hopes this initiative will grow and become even better. We’re strong supporters of Nuffield, the great courses offered by the Worshipful Company of Farmers and Institute of Farm Management, and the Farmers Club’s involvement in the Windsor Leadership Trust. These are excellent initiatives, but by their nature they can only cater for a discrete number each year. We hope FG26/46 will inspire all younger farmers, challenge management thinking and help people establish supportive networks. The more involvement we have, the stronger FG26/46 will become. • Keen to be involved, as a speaker, visit host or a member? Email emma.penny@ubm.com or sign up at www.farmersguardian.com/2646
Nuffield
Nuffield focuses on deliverables Nuffield class of 2011
SPECIFIC evidence to show exactly what British agriculture is delivering for the environment, animal welfare and wildlife is urgently needed, Adam West, a farmer’s son from Herefordshire who is now working for Natural England, told the annual Nuffield Conference in Grantham, South Lincs. His thoughts stem from a Nuffield Scholarship to look at farmer-led initiatives including Farming for our Future in New Zealand and the Centre for Food Integrity in Kansas. The latter, established in 2007 to build confidence and trust in the food industry, is sponsored by the whole food chain, including farmers, universities, retailers, processors and restaurant chains. It aims to correct misinformation and provide science-based proactive messages. The focus is to build consumer trust in the food chain rather than improve public perception of agriculture, said Mr West. Explaining specific improvements to the environment, wildlife and animal welfare is a key ingredient. That is in stark contrast to the UK’s assurance schemes, which are geared to showing competence. “Telling the public that farmers have ticked boxes for having a pesticide store and checking their grain stores doesn’t mean much to them. Telling them what UK farming is collectively contributing to wildlife, welfare and the environment is what will answer the questions much of the public has, particularly those from urban communities. I am absolutely convinced this is the best way to respond to the negative effects of pressure groups.”
Lobbying tactics Clare Greener, senior policy adviser for the NFU in the West Midlands, took a closer look at agricultural policymaking and whether it is best aligned to meet global challenges. “We seem to have a policy framework that feels confusing, complicated and conflicting,” she noted.
Influencing that policy at grass roots level is essential. Over the past ten years farmer representation on Parish Councils had dropped from over 50% to 10% in her region around Bridgnorth in south Shropshire. “The opportunity is there to bring our local communities up to date,” she said. “The worry is that if we don’t crack on and do something others will.” She was critical of the UK’s approach to impact assessments, often conducted by the same people who are making the policies. Europe at least undertakes independent assessments, she noted. She urged the industry to do more to lobby directly. Hansard Society research shows MPs pay far more heed to lobbying by local constituents than from pressure groups. In her Nuffield travels she came across an extreme example of that in China’s Guangdong Province. In 1982 eighteen peasant farmers got together and pressed thumb print onto a letter calling for policy to move away from centralised farming. “Let us farm the farms ourselves, and with the increased productivity we can also pay a rice tax, to help feed the nation. If it doesn’t work then imprison us, or kill us, but look after our children.” Policy changed as a result. Such an extreme approach may not be necessary in the UK, but more active grass roots lobbying certainly is, she concluded.
Controlled traffic
Tell the public what results are being achieved for the environment, wildlife and welfare, urged Adam West.
James Peck, who farms 5000 acres in Cambridgeshire, used a John Oldacre Foundation scholarship to investigate opportunities for arable farming. “Before I travelled I thought British agriculture was a leader. Having travelled I was shocked to see how far we had fallen behind,” he noted. Controlled traffic farming caught his imagination. “Today the 600hp tractor weighing 25t is not uncommon. Controlled wheelings can have an 18% gross margin impact, including a 12% cut in fuel use, which on 1000 acres is £150,000 additional income.” A system based on 6m cultivator and 8m drill can mean 86% of ground is compacted during the course of the year. Better co-ordination of equipment widths, plus use of GPS and RTK technology, can help cut compaction to 25%. “It’s a first step to catching up with 83% of the world that is already operating no-till.”
Boost to bees
Better farm lobbying is needed – Clare Greener.
Andrew Scarlett, Nuffield UK’s first beekeeping scholar, with 1000 hives on the east coast of Scotland, discovered much more could be done to arrest bee population collapse. “Beekeeping expertise in Australia and New Zealand is far in advance of the UK’s. They have much greater emphasis on biosecurity. Honey boxes are not swapped between hives. They also extract honey on-site, using a mobile extractor, so any disease is contained.” In New Zealand, hive nutrition is a prime focus, feeding pollen substitute as well as syrup during bad weather. Mr Scarlett has started doing that in Scotland, is re-queening hives with queens imported from New Zealand and has set up a beekeeping co-operative to operate a sterilisation plant.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 09
Food
Sharing food pays Rescuing food from unnecessary disposal is hugely worthwhile, explains Lindsay Boswell, chief executive of FareShare
(Left) Helping people who struggle to get a healthy diet - Lindsay Boswell, chief executive of FareShare (Background) Field gleaning successfully prevents nutritious fresh produce going to waste
JUST four weeks ago shoppers all over the country were gearing up for the big Christmas splurge as supermarkets piled their shelves high with turkeys, clementines, nuts and Brussels sprouts in a seasonal display of abundance. It is a time of year when people’s thoughts turn to home and hearth, to comfort food, memories of meals shared and plans for what to eat on the big day. But in amongst the noise, adverts and abundance are the 5.8 million UK residents who live in ‘deep poverty’ and for whom the simple act of putting a meal on the table is a daily struggle. I’m the CEO of FareShare, a charity that fights hunger and food waste in the UK. By redistributing surplus, in-date food from manufacturers and retailers we support a network of local charities all over the country with regular deliveries of food, helping them to stay financially sustainable while providing healthy meals for their clients. What these charities all have in common is their commitment to helping people who struggle to get a healthy diet. So how do we support them? In a simple practical way, by working with the food industry to ensure that good food that cannot be sold, but can still be eaten, is delivered to those who need it. FareShare started life in 1994 as a project within the homelessness charity Crisis. Since then we’ve
10 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
grown and grown, becoming independent in 2004, operating in 17 areas throughout the UK and being crowned Britain’s Most Admired Charity at the 2010 Third Sector Awards. FareShare now serves 700 community organisations and local charities who feed 35,500 people every day with FareShare food. Last year we rescued enough food to provide 8.6 million meals for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, saving the charities we work with £8 million on their food bills. These charities range from large homeless shelters, to drug and alcohol support services to small breakfast clubs that provide hungry kids with a meal when they arrive at school. The food we rescue is in-date and good to eat, but has become surplus for simple reasons such as over-production, labeling errors or short shelf–life. We recently delivered ‘organic’ porridge to our projects – the box said it was organic but the oats inside weren’t, so it couldn’t be sold. The majority of the food we redistribute comes from the manufacturing sector. We take most types of food, as long as it is safe to eat and within its use by or best before date. We help food companies to recognise the value in their surplus food and put the systems in place to capture it while it’s still good to eat. The FareShare solution is simple and practical.
The economic situation is dire for many people and FareShare needs more food to help us address this problem.
Food
Fareshare facts • • • • • • •
However, it’s still hard work to get companies on board and it can take time for these to set up the systems and processes that will enable them to identify surplus food as early on as possible, so we can put it to good use. Food prices are high, the rate of inflation is high and during winter many people find themselves making a choice between putting the heating on and having a meal. Our recent National Impact Survey found that just over half of the people FareShare supplies food to have gone for a day or more without a meal in the last year, and 40% of the charities we support are facing budget cuts, with two thirds of these charities slashing their food budgets in an effort to stay afloat. The economic situation is dire for many people and FareShare needs more food to help us address this problem. Fruit and vegetables are high on our wish list, so we’ve identified one way of getting surplus fresh produce: to ‘glean’ crops directly from fields, using our volunteers in a sort of flash-mob meets land army. Trial fields are a great opportunity for gleaning fresh produce – producers supply seeds to farmers for free so they can see which varieties grow best. The land needed often represents a relatively tiny proportion of the farmers land but the potential for sourcing excess produce from them is huge. Last
Rescues food to feed 35,500 people/day 8.6 million meals, worth £8 million, in 2010 Working with 700 organisations/charities 5.8 million UK residents in deep poverty Started in 1994 as part of Crisis Independent in 2004 Britain’s Most Admired Charity 2010
month the food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart worked with Marshalls (Produce World) to arrange a trial gleaning, and took FareShare volunteers to a field in Boston, Lincolnshire to pick cabbages. The field looked beautiful – rows and rows of different shades of green, purple and red; kale, savoy, pointy and red cabbages all growing alongside each other. They had been due to be ploughed back into the field, but with some manpower, transport and support from Marshalls a full van of cabbages came back to our London depot and were delivered out, to be turned into soups, stews and braises to nourish the capital’s poor in these cold months. We’re hoping that this success can be played out across the country so we can add carrots, potatoes, parsnips and even Brussels sprouts to our vegetables deliveries. We are rich in volunteers, committed and generous people who give their time to helping others, but we need transport and money to make gleaning a nation-wide project, to save food from being wasted and build a sense of community and urgency around food waste and hunger.
(Above) FareShare redistributes over £8mworth of fresh produce to over 700 community organisations (Inset) Over 35,000 people benefit from FareShare meals every day
• If you’re interested in getting involved please visit our website to find out more about our work www.fareshare.org.uk
www.thefarmersclub.com • 11
Winter speeches
Science can deliver THE Club was exceptionally fortunate to persuade Professor Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, to address a lunch for Members hosted by the Duke of Montrose at the House of Lords in November. Sir John was very positive about the prospects for feeding a global population of nine billion by 2050, provided investment in good science continued and farmers were allowed to exploit the knowledge and technology it produced. The UK was the most scientifically productive country in the world, he said. “Recent papers from Rothamsted, the world’s oldest agricultural research establishment, expressed confidence that wheat yields could be increased from their present level of 8.4t/ha to over 20t/ha in two decades.” But a commitment to science-based production is needed, countering the risk-averse attitudes that are pervading the approval, and therefore acceptance into farming practice, of new technologies. Sir John welcomed the appointment of a Chief Scientific Advisor to the European Commission, Professor Anne Glover, from Aberdeen University, who is currently Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland. “I will now have someone to phone who understands the issues. That can only assist the more rapid adoption of new technology by placing good scientific advice right at the heart of the EU decision making process,” he said. Recent EU budget statements committing more money to research and development were good news, but UK scientists needed to collaborate with other countries to deliver best value for money. Sir John cited research which showed civil unrest in many parts of the world could be plotted against the rise in food prices. The spark to the Arab Spring had been just such a reaction. “There is huge disparity in wealth – with one billion people in poverty and another one billion malnourished across the planet. The three things we can do to help contain world population growth are increase prosperity, give more women access to education and promote contraception,” he said. • Earlier, Richard Markwell, Vice President and Managing Director Europe, Africa and Middle East, of lunch sponsor Massey Fergusson, expressed similar confidence in the continuing growth potential in world farming. There would be no let up in R&D investment to keep farmers supplied with the very best technology, he said.
12 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Government’s chief scientific adviser – Sir John Beddington
High flying viticulturalist RARELY has the Farmers Club entertained a speaker with such a vibrant track record, ranging from riding the flying trapeze in Mexico and circus elephants in central America, to becoming Britain’s first doctor of viticulture and oenology. “It is fair to say that my early career choices were not what my mother expected from a boarding school education followed by Elmhurst Ballet School,” Belinda Kemp explained to an enthralled Ladies Luncheon in the Eastwood Room, hosted by 2011 chairman’s wife Caroline Holland.
Winter speeches
On-line future for farm media “The media is changing so fast it’s scary” – Jane King, editor of Farmers Weekly
FARMERS Weekly is adapting to a fast changing media environment by using more industry-generated content and creating more on-line products, editor Jane King told a recent Farmers Club committee dinner. Having joined Farmers Weekly in January 2005, with a track record of leading teams through change, she acknowledged she had spent longer in farming than any other industry. “I knew nothing about agriculture, but I inherited an amazing brand and the best team in business publishing by miles.” But the magazine was at a tipping point, haemorrhaging copy sales and with advertising under pressure. “It was all pointing in the wrong direction. The media is changing so fast it is scary. Issue sales are falling, because so much is available on-line for free – the audience is saturated.” The future is on-line, she stressed. “Our job is to be a leader wherever we provide information. The magazine makes all the money at present, but the global context is changing. Half the world population is under 30 years of age, and 96% of them use social
After 16 years in the circus Dr Kemp returned to England with a new determination – to become a wine expert. She secured a first class honours degree in viticulture at Plumpton College in East Sussex, part of Brighton University, undertook further studies in New Zealand for four years, and is now the UK’s only doctor of viticulture and oenology. “It is the science that fascinates me. Everything you do in the vineyard can affect the quality of the wine, and English wines really are achieving some great results. Our sparkling wines have beaten the best from Champagne, Italy and the New World in consecutive International Awards recently.” Dr Kemp now lectures in wine science and wine chemistry at Plumpton and works closely with the English wine industry. Last year she won a Farmers Club Charitable Trust bursary to investigate the implications of climate change for UK wine production. Her passion for learning and teaching is irrepressible. “We are all teachers and capable of teaching others, so we can pass on what we have learned,” she says. Her motto in life? “If it’s easy, it’s not worth doing.” A true inspiration!
media. E-mail is old hat, Facebook is the fastest growing on-line service.” Citizen journalism is alive and well in farming, the industry creating its own content, she noted. But that was in addition to core journalism, not instead of it. She saw a future for user-pays content on-line. The new Power Farming website, an on-line Top Gear for farmers, provides price comparison, specification and commentary on farm machinery, priced at £25/year for FW subscribers and £35 for non-subscribers. It hopes to attract 5,500 subscribers in a year, to avoid any dependency on advertisers. Farmers Weekly’s current circulation of 64,000 was declining by just 4% year on year, compared to up to 12% previously and nearer 20% in national newspapers, she noted. It is passed-on to 200,000 readers and its FWi website is visited by 400,000 different users each month. On rural broadband, in response to a strong show of hands protesting it was a major issue, she said it was something Farmers Weekly might consider as a campaign.
Wine enthusiast... and flying trapeze artiste... Belinda Kemp
www.thefarmersclub.com • 13
Training
“I have to pinch myself most days that this is my job!” - Foundation Training Programme graduate Simon Wilcox.
Building strong foundations Developing the manpower to drive British farming forward is vital. One company has taken it into its own hands
HARNESSING the enthusiasm of young people through structured training and development is essential in any industry. It accelerates the rate at which they are able to contribute positively, whilst also ensuring they have the prospect of a good career path. Within the agricultural industry there has been a growing need for talented 20-30 year olds, to ensure there are sufficient skilled agriculturalists for the future. One company that is making a significant investment in the next generation is Hutchinsons,
14 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
the arable consultancy and supply business, through its Foundation Training Programme, which uses experiences gained from training new agronomists over the past 25 years. A key emphasis is ensuring new agronomists have the strongest understanding of the big picture of farming, as well as unparalleled agronomy skills, explained Hutchinsons’ chairman, David Hutchinson. Securing the most talented young people and training them to the highest level is essential to ensure customers receive the best possible advice,
Training
allowing Hutchinsons to grow and develop. The Foundation is a three year modular training programme, combining structured teaching from internal and external specialists, and shadowing experienced agronomists. Everyone is trained up to and beyond the highest industry standards, including BASIS, FACTS, BETA and Soil and Water Management, and receives commercial, marketing, IT and interpersonal skills training too. Module performance is evaluated through formal examination or informal assessment with programme mentors and senior managers. So far 23 agronomists have either graduated from, or are active within the Foundation Programme. Some have qualified from university with agricultural degrees, but others, like Will Sharpe, aged 20, have a more practical farming background. Will’s career looks set to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in the production of field scale vegetables. Following A-Levels he worked on a number of large vegetable farms in East Anglia and Cornwall before joining Hutchinsons in early September 2011.
Key issues “The opportunities provided by the programme are fantastic at broadening my knowledge technically, agronomically and in understanding key issues like supermarket protocols,” Will commented, just a month into his job. “Whilst vegetable production is where my passion lies, learning about arable agronomy is essential, given that growing vegetable crops fits into a wider crop rotation. My long-term aim is to become one of the country’s top agronomists.” Rachel Brooks, 28, has a BSc in Agriculture and Land Management from the Royal Agricultural College and was brought up on a 700-acre arable farm. “Prior to joining Hutchinsons 18 months ago, I worked for Scottish Agronomy helping to run their trials. But my interest in agronomy started on a summer placement working for BASF at Woolpit,” said Rachel. She is now based in Cambridgeshire and has started working with her own clients, advising on combinable crops, potatoes, sugar beet, onions and carrots. “My Foundation Mentor agronomist is Ian Cook, who has been an excellent trainer throughout the programme and remains an essential support in discussing technical issues relating to my clients.”
the Foundation was Simon Wilcox. Simon’s father is a spraying contractor near Wellingborough, where Simon grew up on a smallholding. His undergraduate degree was in geology and his crop protection masters degree was studied at Harper Adams. Hutchinsons sponsored him to take his masters degree with the offer of a job at the end of it. “The Foundation has taught me everything that an agronomist needs to know, as well as allowing me to develop my own interests and specialist skills. My passion is maximising crop performance and using developing technologies like precision farming. We work in a fast-changing industry and I see my role as working with growers to meet their objectives as well as keeping them technically up-to-date.
High standards “I have to pinch myself most days that this is my job! I have high expectations of myself and the business also sets high technical and service delivery standards for all its agronomists. I am trusted to essentially run my own business on a daily basis, but with all the help and support that I need from a comprehensive team of technical support specialists. Three years into the Foundation initiative, David Hutchinson is understandably proud of the company’s achievements. “It’s very rewarding to see vibrant, young people rapidly developing the much broader technical skills we require. These wider industry skills are already being recognised and valued by our clients and are enabling Foundation Graduates to develop more quickly than has generally been the case for young agronomists entering the industry.”
2011 Foundation intake (l- r) David Shepard, Robert Hamlen, Will Sharpe, Richard Jackson and Ben Boothman
Job perks Charles Wright, 23, is a geography graduate from Hull University and has just completed the first year of the Foundation Programme. He was brought up on a sheep, beef and arable farm near Woodall Spa. “I have worked on farms all my life and had intended to become a geography teacher, but then realised that I wanted a career in agriculture instead. Agronomy is a really interesting and dynamic job and being an advisor allows me to meet many different farmers.“ He sees himself developing his client base over the coming years and becoming a successful agronomist; longer term he hopes that a management position within Hutchinsons might be a possibility. One of the first agronomists to graduate from
The Hutchinsons Foundation is a three year programme, with a modular structure
www.thefarmersclub.com • 15
Farming Views
Chef Rachel Green – fighting for a fairer place for peas in the kitchen
Farming Views Farming Figures
190,000
Number of visitors to Ireland’s top farming event, the Ploughing Championships in County Kildare
1.1 million tonnes Fall in UK household food waste over the past three years, enough to fill Wembley Stadium.
7,175 World record for individual green peas eaten in one hour using chopsticks, by Janet Harris, Sussex, 1984
78%
Proportion of UK milking cows represented by visitors to Dairy Event and Livestock Show 2011
$1.5 trillion Value to US economy of agriculture, including $140bn of exports
g300m EU spending on food safety standards
1.5kg Carbon footprint of a bottle of wine, 2.5kg for Champagne. How does milk compare?
16 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Pea pointers PEAS deserve fresh attention in the kitchen, not just as a frozen vegetable, but as a convenient tinned ingredient in a host of recipes, says Rachel Green, celebrity chef and farmer’s daughter. “I was quite sceptical when I started cooking with peas, but once you’ve got your head around it, it is pretty easy, they are not expensive, have a long storage life, are very nutritious and incredibly healthy.” Rachel’s family has farmed for 410 years in Lincolnshire and was first to grow the crop for freezing. As an enthusiast for British produce she has appeared on Street Market Chefs; The One Show; Marco’s Great British Feast; Breakfast with Wogan; World on a Plate; Kill it Cook it Eat it; Farm of fussy eaters; and BBC’s Flying Cook. “Peas are one of life’s great convenience foods. They are very versatile, taking on good flavours, as seen with the tremendous success of Wasabi peas,” she told a Peas Please event organised by Dalton Seeds. “One thing I do like with peas is that they keep their colour, even when things like lemon juice are added. And mushy peas work particularly well as a dip.”
RECIPE: Ginger beer battered salmon with Asian mushy peas. Ingredients: 500g salmon fillet cut into small squares 3 tbsp seasoned plain flour For the batter: 220g plain flour, 2tsp baking powder, sea salt and black pepper, pinch of cayenne pepper, 450ml lager, 2 tsp ground ginger, rapeseed oil for frying. For the Asian mushy peas: 2tbsp rapeseed oil; 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped; 400g tin marrowfat peas; 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped; juice and zest of half a lemon; half a bunch of fresh mint, finely chopped; sea salt and black pepper.
To make the batter, mix the flour, baking powder, sea salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper together. Gradually whisk in the lager and add the ginger. Pre-heat the rapeseed oil to 180C. Dust the salmon pieces in the seasoned flour and then dip in the batter and carefully lower into the hot oil. Cook the salmon in two batches for three minutes on each side or until the batter is golden and the fish is cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper and season with salt. For the mushy peas, heat the rapeseed oil in a small pan, add the shallots and garlic, cook over a low heat until softened. Drain the marrowfat peas and add to the pan along with the chilli, lemon juice and zest, 1 tbsp of water, gently heat through. Stir in the mint and season with sea salt and black pepper. Serve the salmon with the Asian mushy peas and lemon wedges.
Farming Views
Royal Approval
• Find out more about the 2013 event, and how you can support it, at: www.farminginthepark.co.uk
Photo: www.beaumont-photography.com
CLUB member Guy Smith argued the case for a major farming event in London in the Winter 2010 issue of the Farmers Club Journal. Twelve months later his vision is set to become reality. Farming in the Park is a major free-to-enter exhibition of British food, farming and the countryside planned for Hyde Park on 26-29 September 2013. With eight million consumers, 2,250 schools and the heart of Britain’s economy, politics and media all within twenty miles of Hyde Park it is set to put farming centre stage. The past ten years have seen a growing appetite from an increasingly curious public to learn more about where their food comes from and how the countryside is managed, say the organisers, which include Club committee member and Rutland farmer Andrew Brown. Events in 1989 and 1992 each attracted close to a million people. Twenty years later a repeat is long overdue, as endorsed by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at a Royal launch party at St James’s Palace in December. The event organisers hope every county in Britain will bring to Hyde Park an acre's worth of exhibits exemplifying the best of food, farming and countryside in their area. For instance at the Kent County Show the organisers run a 'Why Farming matters in Kent' feature. A mini-orchard is created with container grown trees along with poly-tunnels full of Kentish soft fruit. There are also some Romney marsh sheep being shorn. Next year the plan is to build an Oast house full of hops being dried.
“The concept of this project is brilliant. The previous two events were a great success at bringing farming into the city.� HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Top prices Paid for parcels of 10 or more trees. Best quality replacement willow sets supplied as standard. Free advice always available. Courteous and friendly service.
Photo: www.beaumont-photography.com
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“We in Government want people to reconnect with where their food comes from, and also to demonstrate our capacity to export more. The timing is really right – there is a huge groundswell of interest in farming.�
! " # ! ! "
www.thefarmersclub.com • 17
Patrick Durnford, Chairman; Rhydian Scurlock-Jones, Vice Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary • U30s
U30s Chairman’s Jottings IT IS hard to imagine that almost a full year has passed since writing my first ‘jotting ‘ as the Under Thirties Chairman. I have had a hugely enjoyable time in the role and am most grateful to my colleagues on the U30s committee, the Club staff and all those who have supported our events during the 2011 year. I would like to say a particular thank you to Rhydian Scurlock-Jones (U30s Vice Chairman) and MaryAnne Salisbury for their invaluable support. I know that Rhydian will do an exemplary job as Chairman over the next year and is planning a full and exciting programme of events . If you have recently joined the U30s, or indeed if you have been a member for a while, do come along to the new members weekend from 3rd – 5th February. It promises to be tremendous fun and is a great way of getting to know the Club and fellow members. The weekend is also a good opportunity to put forward suggestions or contacts that you feel may be of benefit. The Committee is always delighted to hear ideas! As a parting ‘jot’ on behalf of all U30s members may I reiterate my sincere gratitude to Richard Holland and Stephen Skinner. together with the Senior Club Committee, for their much appreciated support of the U30s. With very best wishes for the New Year.
contact Patrick for more information Patrick Durnford patrick.durnford @bidwells.co.uk 07967 822892
18 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Spectacular Oxford visit OXFORD was the destination for this year’s Autumn Farm Walk, which started well with drinks in the River Hotel bar then dinner at The Old Parsonage on Friday, before heading to The Wormsley Estate on the Bucks/Oxon border on Saturday morning, where we were welcomed by Roy Cox, agent from Smiths Gore. Wormsley is a 2,500 acre estate brought by Sir Paul Getty in 1986 and is now home to Mark Getty and his family. From the extensive walled garden we went on to look at the organic farm, mixing commercial farming with a care for the environment. A glance up to the sky and red kites could be seen circling. Once extinct in England and Scotland, the birds were reintroduced into England at Wormsley from 1989. The project has been an overwhelming success, although their presence continues to divide opinion. Sir Paul Getty was a devotee of all things English, especially cricket, prompting him to create an Arcadian cricket ground, which we had the privilege of walking out onto – the very place where 100s were scored by both Brian Lara and Graham Gooch. Wormsley also hosts a second family passion, Garsington Opera’s annual festival running for nearly six weeks each spring. The impressive pavilion gives spectacular views over the deer park and Chiltern Hills. Many thanks to Roy and the Getty family for arranging the visit.
Lunch was taken at the Bull and Butcher in the picturesque village of Turville, home to the Vicar of Dibley. After lunch we headed to the Copas Partnership. Tom Copas, a Farmers Club member, started with 153 turkeys in 1957. The family is now responsible for 40,000 first class turkeys, raised in cherry tree orchards and grassy meadows and sold via some of Britain’s best butchers, farm shops, deli’s and food halls. The importance of the brand shone through and we were impressed with the attention to detail, including innovative turkey boxes for the final product and a pop-up cooking timer to ensure the cooking goes smoothly. The business gave us all inspiration that from small beginnings and hard work a thriving business can be developed. Finally, we were shown some of the high specification character offices that have been developed with views reaching to Cliveden House and Windsor Castle. Many thanks to Tom Copas for an excellent afternoon. An enjoyable evening at Brasserie Blanc was followed on Sunday morning by a leisurely visit to Blenheim Palace surrounded by over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake and beautiful formal gardens. Many thanks to Lizzie Benson for organising such a fantastic weekend.
U30s • Patrick Durnford, Chairman; Rhydian Scurlock-Jones, Vice Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary
Are you placing the correct value on the water resources on your farm?
Does water have a value? Under 30s member Anna Fell
BEING a turf farmer’s daughter and seeing irrigators running 24 hours a day in the dry months I have always understood the importance of a reliable water supply. But until recently I had not considered the true value of that water. Water is the most important, yet undervalued finite resource on the planet; we use it for drinking, eating, washing, agriculture, industry and amenity and without it we could not survive. We take it for granted and assume there is always going to be a plentiful cheap supply. But this is not the case in a world with a growing population, diversity of food production and climate change. Water must, therefore, have a value. But the methodology and calculation of this value is by no means easy.
Water as an Asset Agriculture worldwide is responsible for 67% of water consumption. Farmers rely on water to maximise the returns from their land, whether by irrigation or watering livestock. For example, without irrigation sand land in the Vale of York would not be able to grow turf, carrots, parsnips, potatoes and the like. The alternative would be a low yielding crop of barley. In this instance, water is the key to a huge uplift in productivity. Some may think there is no cause for worry with boreholes on the farm. But abstraction licences are tightly controlled by the Environment Agency and many are time limited, with no security of renewal. Valuing that licence is complex, as the nature of the aquifer, other users in the area and legislation need consideration to understand the availability of the water resource. There is no doubt that many farmers undervalue the supply of water on their farm, be it a borehole, natural spring or reservoir. It is an important asset that should be considered in the balance sheet and when purchasing land.
Water as a Liability On the flip side water can also be a liability. Is your property at risk from flooding, and if so what impact does this have on its value? Flooding is now becoming a key consideration when valuing property. In 2013 the Statement of Principles between the Government and the Associated Board of Insurance on the provision of flood insurance ends. Due to the cut in spending on flood defences the ABI has not yet committed to renewing the agreement. Indeed, it has strongly indicated that it is not going to do so. That means properties in a flood risk zone could be uninsurable. What impact does that have? It is reported that 9 million homes in the UK (35% of the UK housing stock) are at risk from flooding. If those properties become uninsurable they become unmortgageable, which has a significant effect on value. Combine that with the loss in value in commercial property and the economic impact becomes substantial. This risk is a key concept that needs to be understood by homeowners, valuers, mortgage companies, banks, and investors. The negative impact of flooding on value is not limited to bricks and mortar; agricultural land is also affected. The Environment Agency is building flood defences in areas where agricultural land can be used to store flood water, to protect nearby properties. What effect does that have on value and what is the income flow that should be paid to farmers? The appraisal of water is clearly a complex area and one that is likely to evolve rapidly over the next few years. • Anna Fell U30s member Chartered Surveyor specialising appraising water resource annafell@georgefwhite.co.uk annafell@water-value.com
www.thefarmersclub.com • 19
Food security
Big questions for global food security
scale, to prove their ability to survive, their better management and greater efficiency and productivity.” He highlighted the tension between a Common Agricultural Policy with a strong emphasis on social and environmental issues, and the growing demands for greater food security. “The paradox is that if you took the subsidy away, there would be no problem with finding capital investment for farming.”
GM role Genetically modified crops already play a pivotal role in global food security, grown on more than 148m ha globally, or 11% of the world’s entire farmed area, by 15m farmers, 90% of them in the developing world, and creating $65bn in additional value. They increase global food production by the equivalent of 75m ha and cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 7.8m cars, due to fewer crop operations. The question is whether the rising cost of securing non-GM food will be the biggest driver for UK retailers and food processors to put GM on UK shop shelves, one delegate suggested.
(Above) Feeding the world is the goal – challenges aplenty lie in the way.
FINANCE, GM crops and pollution were all debated as London’s CropWorld Global event sought to provide pointers to the future for global food production. “There are two options, either an extensive low input, low output system, or sustainable intensive, maximising inputs and outputs and protecting ecosystems,” explained independent economist Sean Rickard. “To be blunt I have little doubt, if you did a straw poll of the world’s 7bn, and especially the 1bn who go hungry, they would vote for the second. To me there seems to be no alternative. There seems to me to be a moral imperative to apply our scientific and technical knowledge to produce more food, whilst protecting the environment at the same time.” Food and agriculture is moving from an era of abundance to an era of tightness, continued Cyrille Filott of Rabobank. “Witness, for example, Russia’s export ban on wheat last year [2010]. We are currently experiencing bursts of scarcity, which will become more frequent.” Companies are responding by adjusting their sourcing strategies. “There is a lot of re-jigging going on. Some companies are buying land and planting their own food, and others are bypassing the supply and distribution networks in other ways.” Those relying on the open market and failing to secure sustainable supplies would suffer, he said.
Finance key A big issue is finance, with farming operations and the research and development that backs them both suffering inadequate funding, particularly as the global credit squeeze intensifies. There is a growing need for infrastructure investment in water capture, storage and transport too. Clearly large private farming operations are the way forward, not only achieving greater productivity, but also securing capital support more readily, said Mr Rickard. “There is obviously a social issue too, but if you want investment in farms, those farms must be large
20 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Retailer influence Retailers are ideally placed to influence both producers and consumers when it comes to sustainable food production, said Andrew Opie, food director at the British Retailers Consortium. Carbon and water use have been the main focus so far, but land use and soil erosion are set to become more important in future, he suggested. But food labelling is not the whole solution. “Consumers need information to make choices, but they spend just 3-4 seconds per product in the supermarket, so the shopping aisle is not the best place to influence them. They need to have the information beforehand. The label only helps them select the product they want.” Government is unlikely to be able to generate that information fast enough, he added. “The private sector is nimble, it is where the real change will happen.” The move to responsible palm oil production was driven by a powerful lobby group campaign, using emotive images of suffering orangutangs. It became an important commodity issue for UK and EU retailers, prompting a swift consumer choice response, delivered in a fraction of the time a government response would have taken.
Pollution unavoidable While clean-up costs caused by inefficient nitrogen use amount to billions of Euros, some losses are inevitable if sufficient food is to be produced, said Prof Andy Whitmore of Rothamsted Research. Efficiency gains in the N cycle are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leaching and acidification, while continuing to feed ourselves, he noted. But there are limits. “Reducing N use too much would require more land to be farmed, which is really very costly to the environment indeed. “You can’t bake a cake without breaking eggs. Maybe we should accept a degree of nitrogen loss and then look at ways to mitigate that.” Producing food at the economic optimum rate of nitrogen use looks like the best way forward, he said.
Ramblings • Stephen Skinner
Emails
Ramblings
Your e-mail address THE Club is keen to have your up-todate email address, so you can be kept informed of events and developments, such as progress with the potential acquisition of One Horse Guards Avenue. The Club currently holds a total of 3082 e-mail addresses, out of a possible 5395. That is just 57%. So please take a moment to send you email address to update@thefarmersclub.com. The Club will continue to post information about the Club and events to Members who do not have email.
A momentous Club year project is progressing. Do log-on and let us know what you think. I have also just sent my first ‘tweet’. I’m not sure I am any wiser for the event – but I have done it!! Of course, let’s not pretend this will be easy. There are some enormous hurdles to overcome. But if your enthusiasm for this project were any indication of probability of success – it would be simple. If only.
On-line bookings soon
Bedroom refurbishments
I AM delighted to inform you that I have just signed a contract for the provision of a service for on-line booking and paying of events. This will operate through our current website, once we are confident that we can manage it without causing enormous confusion for you and for ourselves. I would want to emphasise though that this system will not discriminate against those members who do use or do not want to use, the internet. We will reserve a number of places on each event for those who wish to book in the normal way and if we end up oversubscribed, regardless of how you booked, we will hold a ballot for all who wanted to attend. Ultimately it is my intent to make booking easier and quicker for all involved. • The Olympic bookings have gone well, although I should say we do still have some single rooms available between 1st and 12th of August 2012 – and even a couple of doubles. If you are interested, please contact Reservations who will help you.
• Details of the Club’s fundraising strategy will be announced soon – keep an eye on the website, your emails and the post for more information.
WHILE we may have our focus on bigger game, we are not ignoring the need to continually improve the facilities and fabric of our current accommodation. To that end, we intend to refurbish up to 10 bathrooms/ bedrooms in the coming year. Among these improvements will be the conversion of three bedrooms without facilities to three with facilities, which will make quite a difference. This is not a cheap exercise (although we will of course keep the costs screwed right down), but is important in the context of endeavouring to continually improve the quality of service provided.
Jim Blanchard Julian Sayers and I represented The Club at the funeral of Past Chairman Jim Blanchard at Southmoor, Abingdon. Mr Blanchard, who was a great Club character, sadly passed away on 26 November. MAY I take this opportunity to thank the very many of you who have so kindly contributed to the Staff Christmas Fund. This fund is an invaluable addition to the income of the staff (I rightly do not receive any of this fund). I know it is very much appreciated by the staff. Thank you.
Ed Phillips Images www.edphillipsimages.com
I AM rather hoping that this will be a momentous year as regards the Club’s development. You will all be aware, I hope, of the plans which were trailed in the last issue of the Journal and to which the response has been hugely encouraging (see page 7). Thank you to all those who have written, emailed, called or just buttonholed me around the Club. Your feedback has been invaluable. If there are others among you with points you wish to raise or issues to discuss, you know where I am. I should also say our website will carry the latest information on how the
Ed Phillips Images www.edphillipsimages.com
Lord Selbourne wins The Farmers Club Cup LORD John Selbourne receives the prestigious Farmers Club Cup from Rt Hon Jim Paice. The cup is awarded on the recommendation of the Club Chairman and Committee in recognition of a person or organisation’s outstanding contribution to UK agriculture. Lord Selbourne has been a member of the Apple & Pear Development Council, chairman of the Hops Marketing Board, the Agricultural & Food Research Council and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, and the Royal Geographic Society. He is a member of the NEDC Food Sector Group and the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, and has been chancellor of Southampton University and chairman of Trustees of Kew Gardens. He is Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 21
The Farmers Club • Club Information
Club Information 020 7930 3751 DIARY DATES Please check the dates carefully as they are sometimes changed and new dates added for each issue. Details of Club events circulated in the previous issues are available from the Secretariat at the telephone number shown above. JANUARY
APRIL
LAMMA Show, Newark, Notts.
St. George’s Day Lunch in London
Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th
Friday 20th
WCF Banquet at Goldsmiths Hall
(Not a Club event)
Tuesday 24th
MAY Ulster Show Dinner
Lunch and Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition at the National Galler y (SOLD OUT) Friday 27th
Tuesday 15th
Visit to Norfolk Monday 28th to Wednesday 30th Application Form in this issue
FEBRUARY Lunch and Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition at the National Galler y (SOLD OUT) Friday 3rd
JUNE Henr y V, Globe Theatre Friday 8th
City Food Lecture, Guildhall, London
Breakfast at Cereals, Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire
Tuesday 15th
Wednesday 13th or Thursday 14th
NFU Conference, NEC Birmingham
Royal Highland Show Dinner
Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd
Wednesday 20th
MARCH
Royal Norfolk Show Drinks Reception
Aida at the Royal Albert Hall
(Tickets still available)
Wednesday 27th
Saturday 3rd Application form was in the Winter issue
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Club Friday 16th Application Form in this issue
Golf Fixtures – 2012 Date
Match/Competition
Date
Match/Competition
Friday 4th May
v East India Club, New Zealand GC, Woking
Monday 18th June
v XL Club, Royal St. George’s, Sandwich, Kent
Wednesday 16th May
v British Veterinary Association, Maidenhead GC, Berkshire
Thursday 5th July
Friday 25th May
v N.F.U., Oswestry GC, Shropshire
Club Golf Championships, Blackwell GC, nr. Bromsgrove, Worcs.
Thursday 31st May
v The New Club, Edinburgh, Luffness New Links, E.Lothian
Thursday 13th September
v Worshipful Company of Farmers, Badgemore Park, Henley on Thames.
Friday 1st June
v Farmer members of HCEG, Muirfield
Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th September
Friday 8th June
RABI Golf Challenge, Oswestry GC, Shropshire
Mixed Autumn Meeting, Hunstanton and Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Tuesday 2nd October
Bath Club Cup, Woking GC
22 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012
Club Information • The Farmers Club
Further information is available on The Farmers Club Website www.thefarmersclub.com Obituaries It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr C Austen Mr J Blanchard MBE Mr A Burrows Mr D Cairns Mr J Chaplin Mr E Evans Lord Fyfe Mr J Kirk Mr P MacDonald-Smith Sir Francis Pemberton CBE DL Mr J Thompson Mr M Turnbull
Sussex Berkshire Lincolnshire Durham Cambridgeshire Worcestershire Leicestershire Down Dorset Cambridgeshire Essex Cumberland
Honours and Awards Members honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours’ List will be shown in the Spring Issue. Please inform the Membership Secretary if you received an Honour. New Members elected from Oct – Dec UK Members Mr J Ball Mr D Beecroft Mr R Bond Morag Cadzow of Kilpunt Mr S Cogley QC Mrs J Davenport Mr J Davies Mr W Davies Mrs J Dawson Mr D Dennison Mr J Dorgan Mr J Downing Dr A Dugdale Mr D Fawke
Isle of Wight Cheshire Norfolk West-Lothian Ayrshire Gloucestershire Denbighshire Radnorshire Yorkshire Lancashire Warwickshire Norfolk Lancashire Yorkshire
Mr G Frisby Mr P Glossop Mr A Goddard Mr P Green Mr D Heath Mr D Jewers Mr G Jones Dr M Kipling Mr A Luxmoore Mr A Nevill Mr P Parsons Mr G Paterson Professor A Pollard Mr J Ralling Mr J Riddle Mr M Simpson Mr J Skipper Mr C Strong Mr S Threlkeld Mr D Umbers Mr R Wallis Dr I Warren-Smith OBE Mr M Wilson Overseas Mr M Nielsen Under 30s Miss C Adams Mr R Addington Mr T Bishop Dr L Charnley Mr T Frary Mr C Jordan Miss K Mallett Miss K Mitchell Miss E Newey Miss N Newey Miss H Nicholson Miss A Sharp Mr T Short Mr J Smith Mr J Sutcliffe Dr K Wonnacott
Warwickshire Wiltshire Cornwall Hertfordshire Cheshire Suffolk Dorset Durham Cornwall Essex Worcestershire Angus Gloucestershire Lincolnshire Yorkshire Worcestershire Rutland Sussex Cumberland Northamptonshire Cheshire Shropshire Cornwall Overseas Buckinghamshire Wiltshire Hampshire Lancashire Essex Hertfordshire Cambridgeshire Warwickshire Kent Kent Cumberland Kent Lincolnshire London Lincolnshire Warwickshire
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
THE FARMERS CLUB Over 160 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL
Patron – Her Majesty The Queen VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Jackson CBE, Roddy Loder-Symonds, Sir David Naish DL, John Parker, Norman Shaw CBE THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB FOR 2012 PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Paul Heygate TRUSTEES Mark Hudson (Chairman), Barclay Forrest OBE Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE, Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers VICE-CHAIRMAN Stewart Houston CBE HONORARY TREASURER Richard Butler IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Richard Holland COMMITTEE Elected 2007: Tim Bennett (Chairman House Sub-Committee) Mrs Anne Chamberlain (Chairman Journal & Communications Sub-Committee), James Cross, Richard Harrison, Campbell Tweed OBE (Chairman Membership Sub-Committee) Elected 2008: The Reverend Dr Gordon Gatward OBE Jimmy McLean, David Richardson OBE, John Wilson Elected 2009: John Stones Elected 2010: David Leaver, Martin Taylor Elected 2011: Andrew Brown, Micheal Summers Elected 2012: Mrs Ionwen Lewis, Charles Notcutt OBE Co-opted: Patrick Durnford (Chairman Under 30s) Rhydian Scurlock-Jones (Vice Chairman Under 30s) THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES John Kerr MBE JP DL (Chairman), James Cross, Vic Croxson DL Stephen Fletcher, Mrs Stella Muddiman JP, The Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Club (ex officio) Chief Executive and Secretary: Air Commodore Stephen Skinner
General Committee – Tuesday 31st January, Wednesday 18th April, Tuesday 3rd July and Tuesday 13th November. F & GP Committee – Tuesday 6th March and Wednesday 3rd October.
Deputy Secretary: Robert Buckolt Bedroom & Dining Room Reservations: 020-7930 3557 Private Function & Meeting Room Reservations: 020-7925 7100 Accounts: 020-7925 7101 Membership: 020-7925 7102
CLUB CLOSURE
Secretariat: 020-7930 3751
5.00pm Thursday 5th April to 8.00am Tuesday 10th April
Personal calls for members only: 020-7930 4730 Fax: 020-7839 7864
Reciprocal Clubs UK Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh The New Club, Edinburgh OVERSEAS The Australian Club, Melbourne, Australia The Western Australian Club, Perth, Australia (Bedrooms not reciprocated) Queensland Club, Brisbane, Australia Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland (Bedrooms not reciprocated) Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Dublin, Ireland
The Muthaiga Country Club, Nairobi, Kenya The Harare Club, Harare, Zimbabwe The Christchurch Club, Christchurch, New Zealand (Closed due to earthquake damage) The Canterbury Club, Christchurch, New Zealand (Closed due to earthquake damage) Members wishing to visit any of the above Clubs must obtain an introductory card from the Secretariat.
E-mails secretariat@thefarmersclub.com accounts@thefarmersclub.com membership@thefarmersclub.com functions@thefarmersclub.com meetings@thefarmersclub.com events@thefarmersclub.com reservations@thefarmersclub.com reception@thefarmersclub.com u30s@thefarmersclub.com Website: www.thefarmersclub.com THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Editor and Advertisement Manager: Charles Abel, 07795 420692 Email: editor@thefarmersclub.com Designed by: Ingenious, 01323 729515 Website: www.ingeniousdesign.co.uk Printed by: Pureprint Group, Brambleside, Bellbrook Park Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1PL, 01825 768811
www.thefarmersclub.com • 23
Name(s) • Article/Section
Proposal to expand and enhance the Farmers Club Acquiring 1 Horse Guards Avenue would provide: • • • • •
18 new en-suite bedrooms, giving the Club a total of 70 bedrooms A new, larger dining-room An impressive private entrance An extended balcony area, adjoining the existing Club balcony A number of large rooms, some with views over the river to the London Eye, for: – private dining and member’s family functions – meetings, seminars and potentially conferences • A larger Business Suite than currently available • One large office to house all Club staff
Funding the project: • • • •
Proposed sale of eighth floor accommodation Proposed sale of fourth floor Muddiman Suite Support from membership Commercial sponsors?
Visit www.thefarmersclub.com for all the latest project news
24 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2012