Catch Up on AIC Conference 2025: Full Video Coverage Now Available
Missed the AIC Conference? You can now watch the full video playlist from the AIC Conference 2025, featuring keynote speeches, expert panels and in-depth discussions shaping the future of UK agriculture.
Highlights from the Day
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Opening Address
To a packed audience, AIC Chair Jonathan Lane opened the conference by recognising the sector’s resilience and readiness to innovate. He stressed that while long-term uncertainty continues to challenge farm businesses, collaboration across the supply chain is already delivering “real added value” — but there remains “much more to do”. -
Industry Call to Action
AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby urged the Government to be ambitious and grow UK agriculture from 0.6% to 1% of GDP. He called for clarity, stability and collaboration across departments, arguing that with the right framework the sector can “unlock growth, boost productivity, and lead the transition to a more sustainable and globally competitive food system”. -
Ministerial Perspective
Dame Angela Eagle MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, set the tone with a clear message:““The primary purpose of farming has been and always will be to produce food that feeds the nation.” She acknowledged concerns over policy churn and stressed the need for a coherent, long-term strategy that farmers and businesses can trust. Government, she confirmed, is “listening carefully” and committed to placing food security at the heart of national strategy. “
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Key Contributions
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Baroness Minette Batters: Warned of a “moment of truth” on land use and urged urgent clarity on competing demands for food, nature, housing and energy.
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George Freeman MP: Presented the “30:50:50 Innovation Agenda” to energise the supply chain.
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Professor Pete Falloon: Highlighted climate volatility and the need for richer farm-level data and AI-driven forecasting.
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Sam Lowe: Called for agriculture to be prioritised in trade negotiations to protect UK standards.
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Kelly Hewson-Fisher: Explored land values and the growing importance of carbon markets and biodiversity.
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Dr Elliott Grant: Positioned AI as the driver of a “third agricultural revolution”.
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Tim Smith CBE: Emphasised the need for long-term investment certainty and stable policy.
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Closing Remarks
Jonathan Lane concluded with optimism:
“Our industry isn’t standing still — it’s innovating and adapting. We have the knowledge, the technology and the will. What we need now is stable, joined-up Government policy to match that ambition.”
Watch Now
Available in three parts, click the link to watch the full video playlist or click below on the individual sessions.
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.
