01 February, 2012

The Devon branch of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFU) is excited to host the organisation's national conference this spring.

Rosemary Berry, chairman of the Devon group, described to the Farmers Guardian how happy she and her team are to be organising the event, which will take place at Bicton College from April 11th to 13th.

"Devon WFU is extremely honoured to host this year's national conference and delighted that so many distinguished speakers and guests have already pledged their support for the event, including our national patron Baroness Byford and president Helen Bower," she remarked.

The theme of this year's occasion is 'Food for Thought', with food security due to be at the top of the agenda and several experts lined up to speak to delegates.

Farming Monthly reported that the University of Exeter's Professor Michael Winter, director of the school's Centre for Rural Policy Research, is one of those scheduled to speak about the topic.

Other speakers so far confirmed are chief veterinary officer for Wales Dr Christianne Glossup, microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan, MEP Richard Ashworth, Devon farmer Richard Haddock and local cheesemaker Mary Quicke.

Among the other topics on the agenda are the Slow Food Movement, fair trade and animal health, with the WFU hoping to see members as well as non-members attending the event.