Farm Retail Sector Gathers to Tackle 2025 Challenges

The farm retail sector faces a pivotal moment in 2025, navigating the post-April budget landscape and wider economic pressures. Now, more than ever, unity and collaboration are crucial. The Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards and Conference, taking place from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th March at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, offers a vital opportunity for farm shops, farmers markets, and allied businesses to come together, share insights, and build resilience.  It is time to make a stand for the future of food and farming in the UK.

This year's event is set to be even more significant, with George Eustice, Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs between 2020 and 2022 in attendance and renowned food broadcaster Nigel Barden presenting the awards and hosting the conference day. Riverford founder Guy Singh-Watson will be speaking on building a successful and ethical farm retail business, and Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, The Black Farmer, on building a brand with purpose and resilience.

The event kicks off with welcome drinks on Tuesday evening, followed by farm shop tours across the Midlands on Wednesday, including visits to Slow Food, Birmingham, Essington Farm in Wolverhampton, and Fordhall Farm Shop in Shropshire, a finalist for both Small Farm Shop of the Year and Farm Shop Butchery of the Year.

Wednesday evening culminates in the glittering Farm Retail Awards Gala, featuring a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Join us as we celebrate the best in the business, recognising innovation and excellence across eight categories, from Rising Star to Large and Small Farm Shop of the Year.

The FRA Conference Day offers a packed schedule designed to inspire and equip farm retailers for success, including key-note speeches from leading industry figures. Beyond the main stage, the day features interactive breakout workshops covering a range of critical topics, providing practical advice and actionable strategies that businesses can implement immediately. Combined with a bustling trade show showcasing the latest products and services, the conference day provides a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and discovering new ways to grow and adapt in the evolving farm retail landscape.

"This is a crucial time for farm retail and for the UK," says Emma Mosey, Chair of the FRA. "The FRA Conference is the perfect place to connect, share ideas, and build a stronger future for our sector. I can’t wait to see all our peers and new advocates together." 

Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation and help shape the future of farming and farm retail.

Secure your tickets now at https://farmretail.co.uk/conference/ and invest in your business's future.