AIC Conference 2026: Driving Growth to Elevate Agriculture’s GDP Contribution to 1%
Over 200 delegates from across the UK agri-food supply chain gathered for the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) Annual Conference, themed "Delivering for the Agri-Food Supply Chain in an Ever-Changing World."
Against a backdrop of notable economic headwinds, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate challenges, AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby delivered a central call to action: for Government and the agriculture sector to unite in pursuit of proactive growth. Highlighting that agriculture currently contributes 0.6% to UK gross domestic product (GDP), Robert set a bold ambition to elevate this figure to 1%, a significant milestone that AIC believes will create a focus for the industry and drive collaborative partnership.
"AIC is your voice in Government," emphasised Robert Sheasby, urging delegates to use that voice and engage closely with Members of Parliament (MPs) and representatives to ensure their sector's needs and aspirations are fully heard at the highest levels of policymaking.
Stephen Morgan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), engaged directly with industry leaders. He emphasised the Government's support for the Food and Farming Partnership Board and the vital importance of building resilience throughout the food supply chain.
"We are very supportive of the Food and Farming Partnership Board and are really keen to see the sector's growth plans coming to fruition," stated Stephen Morgan MP, adding that " and support the ambition to grow agriculture’s contribution as this industry is central to the Prime Minister’s mission for growth in every postcode.”
Key Conference Themes and Takeaways
-
The Crossroads for Farming and Supply: National Farmers’ Union (NFU) President Tom Bradshaw took to the stage to provide an essential industry perspective, highlighting that while farming stands at a crucial crossroads and faces significant headwinds, there are robust opportunities to build long-term confidence and continue investing for the future.
-
Unlocking Growth Potential: Presenters throughout the day explored how addressing systemic challenges, from productivity constraints and planning hurdles to water availability, can unlock substantial sectoral growth.
-
Building Supply Chain Resilience: Discussions stressed the necessity of robust contingency planning, farm-level support and stronger cross-border trade relationships. Colleagues from European Union (EU) partner organisations, including the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), Euroseeds and COCERAL, emphasised that the UK’s scientific insight and pragmatic approach would be a welcome contribution to the reduction of friction in trade as discussions with European trading partners progress at inter-governmental level.
-
Innovation and Sustainability: Speakers highlighted that environmental stewardship and economic profitability must advance hand in hand. Investment in science, data-driven farming and technological innovation will be key to turning headwinds into competitive advantages.
The conference also saw the launch of AIC’s new Careers Booklet, showcasing the breadth of career opportunities available across the agricultural supply chain. Attracting new talent and developing the skills the industry needs will be an important part of achieving future growth and supporting the ambition to increase agriculture’s contribution to UK GDP.
Closing the conference, AIC Chair Ronan Hughes concluded on a note of cautious optimism, reinforcing the message that while the current operating environment is challenging, the UK agricultural supply chain possesses the expertise, resilience and vision to adapt, invest and thrive.
The event was kindly supported by US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Kiwa UK, RDP Communications, Eden Search, Sustainable Foods 2027, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Fund and UK Agri-Tech Centre. This year's charity partner was the Addington Fund.
ENDS
About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.
AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.
These schemes and professional registers include:
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- European Seed Treatment Assurance (ESTA)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)
- Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
- AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme (ASCS)
- Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
- Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
- AIC Services Palm Oil Credit Scheme (APOCS)
*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Wendy Ford, Communications Manager, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
