Farming in Uncertain Times: Why Coming Together Matters More Than Ever
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Reynolds acknowledged the need for Government and farmers to work side by side with priorities including agri-tech investment, the 25-year Farming Roadmap, land-use planning, greater diversification, and funding grants. She was clear; farmers don’t plan in short electoral cycles, their decisions span decades, sometimes generations.
But while the words were welcomed, many in the sector remain uneasy. Inheritance Tax reform was notably absent from her speech, despite NFU President Tom Bradshaw highlighting its devastating effect on confidence within farming families. “This is the policy which has sacked the confidence like no other,” he said, urging Defra to find a way forward.
Clearly, farming is facing a moment of change, with political unrest, shifting policy, climate pressures, and evolving consumer demands all converging at once. Farmers are being asked to adapt faster than ever before, and to do so with less clarity on what the next five to ten years may hold.
Why diversification and collaboration are essential
In this climate, resilience is not just about managing risk, it’s about building new opportunities. Many farmers are already exploring diversification as a way to safeguard their businesses, whether through agritourism, renewable energy, direct-to-consumer sales, or alternative crops.
But diversification doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires new knowledge, new skills, and sometimes new partnerships. And in times of uncertainty, coming together as a community of farmers, landowners, and rural entrepreneurs is more important than ever.
A hub for ideas, policy and practical solutions
That’s why Farm Business Innovation, taking place on 5–6 November at the NEC Birmingham, is such a vital event this year.
It is the UK’s only exhibition dedicated entirely to farm diversification and rural business growth, bringing together over 400 exhibitors and more than 50 free-to-attend seminars, panel discussions and workshops.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Policy and planning insights: Stay up to date with rural planning, tax, business rates and funding opportunities. With the autumn budget on the horizon, the event offers an invaluable chance to hear from experts about what’s changing and how to prepare.
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Practical case studies: Learn directly from farmers who have transformed their businesses, like Stuart Beare of Tulleys Farm, who scaled seasonal entertainment into a thriving enterprise.
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Opportunities to diversify: From renewable energy projects and agritourism to direct selling and natural capital, the event showcases a wide range of ways to add resilience and revenue.
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Networking and community: Meet fellow farmers, landowners, and rural innovators who share the same challenges and ambitions. Sometimes, the best solutions come from conversations with people who’ve been there before.
Now is the time to act
The message from both policymakers and farming leaders is clear: change is coming, and the ability to adapt will define the future of British farming. But farmers don’t have to face these challenges alone.
By joining us at Farm Business Innovation, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to plan beyond political cycles, strengthen your business, and explore new opportunities.
Farm Business Innovation
5–6 November 2025, NEC Birmingham
Register for your free ticket at Farm Business Innovation
In uncertain times, farming’s greatest strength lies in its community. Farm Business Innovation is the place where that community comes together to thrive.
