AIC Dinner & Conference 2025: Dates, Venue, Theme, and Key Speakers Confirmed
The AIC Dinner & Conference 2025 promises to be a landmark event for the agri-food industry, taking place on 11 and 12 November at the Holiday Inn West in Peterborough.
With tickets still available, this year’s theme, “Managing ‘New Global Norms’ in the Agri-Food Supply Chain”, will bring together thought leaders from politics, business, academia and trade. The programme will explore how the sector can adapt and thrive amid shifting global dynamics.
The event opens with a black-tie Dinner on 11 November, featuring an address by Baroness Minette Batters, followed by a full day of conference sessions on 12 November. Delegates can expect a rich agenda of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, chaired by BBC Radio’s Caz Graham.
Topics will span food security, sustainability, trade resilience, and regulatory adaptation, all critical to navigating the evolving agri-food landscape.
Click below to find out more and book tickets.
Speaker Line-Up
This year’s AIC Annual Conference brings together an exceptional roster of keynote speakers who will explore the most critical challenges and transformative opportunities shaping the future of the agri-food sector.
Sam Lowe, Partner at Flint Global, will begin the strategic discussions with an exploration of shifting global mega-trends and their implications for UK and international business. His session will consider how geopolitical developments, trade dynamics, and economic pressures are influencing agri-supply chains and rural industries.
Joining the conversation is Dr Elliott Grant, Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge, will examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence on agriculture, focusing on how technology is influencing farming practices, data use, and decision-making across the sector.
Kelly Hewson-Fisher, Director and Head of Rural Research at Savills Rural, will present on environmental solutions and long-term capital growth on UK farmland. Her session will highlight how profitability and sustainability can be balanced to support a resilient rural economy.
In the area of climate and forecasting, Dr Pete Falloon, Science Lead for Food Security at the Met Office, will provide insight into global and local weather pattern predictions and their impact on agri-supply chains. His session will emphasise the role of climate intelligence in strategic planning and risk management.
The political segment will feature senior representatives from across the UK, offering a cross-nation perspective on food security, rural affairs, and climate policy. Notably, Dame Angela Eagle MP, Minister of State for Food Security & Rural Affairs, and Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Islands, Scotland, are anticipated to speak at the conference. Please note that their participation is currently subject to final confirmation. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs in Wales, will deliver an address outlining Wales’ strategic priorities for the sector.
Later in the day, the focus will turn to agri-food supply chain dynamics, with Tim Smith, Executive Chair of Cranswick, discussing the operational and market challenges of running a meat processing business. His talk will touch on resilience, consumer trends, and global pressures.
Baroness Minette Batters, former National Farmers Union (NFU) President and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) lead, will follow with an update on the Farm Profitability Review, offering practical recommendations to support financial sustainability and competitiveness in the sector.
The conference will close with a session led by George Freeman MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, who will present the “30:30:50 Vision”—a proposed framework for the future of UK agriculture, integrating science, innovation, and policy.
The event is kindly supported by sponsors US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Kiwa UK, RDP Communications, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Eden Search and BASIS Registration Ltd. This year's charity partner is the Farming Community Network.
Why Attend?
Whether you are looking to gain new insights, network with industry leaders, or stay ahead of emerging trends, the AIC Dinner & Conference 2025 provides a unique platform to enhance your business strategies and operations.
With a top line-up of speakers and critical discussions on the future of the agri-food supply chain, this is an event not to be missed.
Tickets are limited, so early booking is encouraged. Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of the agri-food sector.
For more information and to book your spot, visit the AIC Dinner & Conference webpages.
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.
