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Farming & Rural Business Conference

Thursday 24 September 2026, Virtual Event

Farming in 2026 – the big re-set

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Highlights

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VAT update

Current VAT law changes relevant to agricultural clients.

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Sector trends

Current and future pricing and profitability trends across agriculture.

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Latest developments

Stay up to date in an ever-evolving economy.

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Political insights

Analysis of the latest UK government policy and its implications.

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Views from the front line

See how working farmers are coping with changes on the horizon.

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CPD

Earn up to 5.75 hours of verifiable CPD by attending this event.

Programme

Please note that the programme is subject to change.
Welcome
09:30
Farming Outlook – a whistle-stop tour
A whistle-stop tour through Andersons’ Farming Outlook covering pricing, profitability and prospects for all agricultural sectors from Richard King, Partner and Head of Business Research, The Andersons Centre.
09:35
Transaction taxes and agriculture
Neil Owen, Director, VAT Advisory Services and will provide an update on developments in VAT law and practice with particular relevance to the agriculture sector and rural businesses.
10:15
Break
10:55
Modern farming schemes - what next?
Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality schemes are becoming increasingly popular with businesses questioning the prospects of conventional farming. Tony Verran, Policy Team Leader, HMRC untangles the tax and accounting of the potentially significant cash flows involved with such schemes. Peter Harker, Partner, Saffery will discuss the broad accounting treatment and the aspects which need to be taken into consideration.
11:10
The law is ever changing
Our speaker guides us through case law and legal updates affecting the agriculture sector and rural businesses.
11:50
Lunch
12:40
Policy – bringing it all together
Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser, CAAV provides his expert views on the direction of UK Government policy and the factors affecting decision making on farm and within Government.
13:30
Working farmer: resiliency and profitability
Our working farmer will walk us through their business and how they have reacted to the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.
14:00
Break
14:40
Hear from the MP
Views on the direction of Government policy in agriculture and hopes for the future of the sector.
14:55
Don’t forget the bank
As the agriculture sector faces pressures from all angles, hear from Victoria Read, Relationship Director Agriculture, Lloyds Banking Group how banks are helping their customers and how ICAEW members can help.
15:25
How can farms increase biodiversity alongside profitable food production?
John Pawsey, Director, Shimpling Park Farms Limited will share insights on how his family of fourth generation innovative farmers are maintaining their financial viability whilst leading the way in exploring natural farming methods to produce good quality food whilst allowing nature and soils to thrive.
16:05
Closing remarks
16:45
Close
16:50

Our speakers

Richard King
Richard King Partner & Head of Business Research, The Andersons Centre

Richard joined Andersons' Research team in Melton Mowbray in 1998. The team analyses and interprets agricultural policy and market developments, and provides specialist business research, training, briefings, and publishes information. He became editor of the Agricultural Budgeting and Costing Book in 2000 and joined the Andersons Centre Partnership in 2003.

Jeremy Moody
Jeremy Moody Secretary and Adviser, CAAV

Jeremy has been Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV since 1995. He handles the many issues covered by the CAAV across the UK including agricultural tenancy, land occupation issues, taxation, valuation and telecommunications, liaising with government and writing widely on both policy and practice.

Neil Owen Founder & Managing Director, VAT Advisory Services

Neil is an independent consultant and speaker who has 39 years’ experience of working in VAT. He is a Fellow of the CIOT and uniquely also of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, the latter reflecting his wide and long-standing involvement in advising the rural sector.

John Pawsey
John Pawsey Director, Shimpling Park Farms Limited

John Pawsey is a fourth-generation mixed farmer, farming 650 hectares in Suffolk and an additional 980 hectares for neighbouring farmers. All farms are managed organically with the first farm being converted to organic production in 1999. Since then, he has improved the farm’s soils and increased biodiversity alongside profitable food production. Diversifications include environmental schemes, commercial and domestic rentals, farm events and renewable energy projects.

Victoria Read
Victoria Read Relationship Director Agriculture, Lloyds Banking Group

Victoria has over 25 years’ experience supporting rural businesses with a practical understanding of the sector alongside deep financial expertise. Victoria partners closely with farmers and landowners to help them navigate change, from business growth and diversification through to the transition towards more sustainable farming practices. She is passionate about delivering tailored, practical advice that helps clients build resilience and long-term success.

Headshot of Tony Verran
Tony Verran Policy Team Leader, HMRC

Tony has had a long taxation career in government working in HMRC, including spells at HM Treasury and the Treasury Select Committee. Recently he has been leading a working group about taxation of ecosystem services which included representatives from tax, accountancy, landowners and others interested in ecosystem markets leading to HMRC guidance which is due to be published 2026.

Testimonials

An excellent well run event with a broad range of speakers.

ICAEW Farming & Rural Business Conference 2024 delegate

Another good conference offering a rounded overview of the challenges facing the farming sector.

ICAEW Farming & Rural Business Conference 2025 delegate

For anyone working in the agricultural sector, the ICAEW Farming & Rural Business conference is a must-do for valuable knowledge and insights in the field.

ICAEW Farming & Rural Business Conference 2024 delegate

As usual I found the farming conference to be engaging and thought provoking, with a good mix of speakers.

ICAEW Farming & Rural Business Conference 2025 delegate

Farming and Rural Business Community

Join the community and stay updated, with guidance on practical, technical, and strategic issues. Membership is open to everyone.

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