The overarching theme of “Building Farming’s Resilience” framed two days of discussion on how the UK’s food and farming system can withstand policy shifts, market volatility and wider economic pressures. Across keynote speeches, panel sessions and breakout forums, delegates heard from farming leaders, government representatives and sector specialists about what resilience looks like in practice and the policy framework needed to support it.

Speakers included NFU President Tom Bradshaw, who called for long-term strategic thinking on food security and investment, and Farming Minister Emma Reynolds, who outlined the government’s priorities around productivity, support schemes and partnership with industry. Sessions covered trade, investment, supply chain growth and livestock sector opportunities, with particular attention on strengthening domestic markets and addressing ongoing challenges such as market uncertainty and declining livestock numbers.

A noticeable feature of the conference was the focus on rebuilding confidence within the sector. While challenges were openly acknowledged, there was a clear determination to present a forward-looking, solutions-focused narrative. This is something BMPA strongly supports. The UK has a positive story to tell, from high production and welfare standards to investment in efficiency and sustainability, and reinforcing confidence across the supply chain is essential if we are to attract investment, retain skills and drive growth.

One of the areas of alignment was planning reform. There was broad agreement that delays and inconsistency in the planning system are holding back investment, particularly in on-farm infrastructure and processing capacity. There is a clear need for a proportionate and predictable framework that recognises food production as essential infrastructure, enabling businesses to invest in modern facilities, energy efficiency, welfare improvements and sustainable practices.

Animal welfare also featured in discussions. Delegates reaffirmed support for maintaining the UK’s high standards, while expressing concern about regulatory approaches that could inadvertently place domestic producers and processors at a competitive disadvantage to overseas competitors.

Overall, the conference reinforced resilience as a shared priority across farming and processing. There was a strong call for clearer, longer-term policy signals from government, particularly on support schemes and investment incentives, to provide the stability needed to plan and deliver growth. Practical policymaking that recognises the interdependence of farming and processing will be critical to safeguarding domestic capacity and ensuring a robust and confident UK food system.