AIC Dinner and Conference 2024 - Capturing “added value” within the agri-food supply chain

Capturing “added value” within the agri-food supply chain

This year’s AIC Dinner & Conference theme will be “Capturing 'added value' within the agri-food supply chain”, which is particularly pertinent given the current economic pressure. Given the current external volatile environment, the agri-food supply chain also has the challenge of capturing the added value opportunities in this evolving market.

From an agri-supply perspective, the phasing out of farming subsidies in the form of the basic farm payment scheme in favour of public good payments continues to impact farm incomes and hence farm spending.

The impact of climate change with adverse weather conditions has not favoured crop production this year in the UK due to adverse rainfall, which again is having an impact on farm incomes and investment. Other parts of the world also experiencing extreme weather patterns which are having adverse effects on agriculture and trade.

Global geopolitical issues dominate world events including Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, as well as major shipping routes being impacted in the Red Sea. Several newly-elected governments are also in place globally that will impact agriculture and trade, and more broadly the economic prosperity of the UK.

With this level of uncertainty, how can agri-supply companies thrive and survive? The AIC Conference will consider these events as well as the opportunities that exist to ensure agriculture and food production “add value” to the sector and the UK economy.

Sustainability comes in many guises, with businesses becoming more engaged with this topic. What will the impact and "adding value" opportunities of existing and new sustainability requirements have on the agri-food supply chain?

How will legislation changes impact the UK internal market concerning trade and how will new technologies be adopted by the sector? Companies need to continually refocus to “add value” to their proposition, thus ensuring investment both now and for the future.

An array of political, academic and industry speakers have been invited to speak on these issues and will be open to debate, questions and networking throughout the conference. 

This is an ideal opportunity for our members and stakeholders to have their views heard and debated to ensure that “adding value” can be captured within the agri-food supply chain.