Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Mark Spencer will set out government plans for the agriculture sector at Dairy-Tech 2023.

Dairy-Tech 2023 will take place on Wednesday, February 1, in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, and it will be one of the first major farming events Spencer has attended since he took on the role in September last year.

Spencer is expected to highlight the importance of the industry moving towards a more sustainable, resilient food system in a bid to feed a growing population, halting the decline of nature by 2030 and achieving net zero.

Dairy-Tech has said that it is also hoped that Spencer will give some insight into the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): What it really means for dairy farmers and the application process.

Commenting ahead of Spencer’s appearance at Dairy-Tech 2023, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ (RABDF) managing director, Matt Knight, said: “There have been many mixed messages around the SFI over the last few months.

“We hope Mr. Spencer will be able to outline exactly what is happening and what is needed so farmers can make an informed choice about support payments and management decisions in the future.  

“There will also be the opportunity for delegates to next week’s event to pose questions to the minister during the ‘state of the dairying nation’ debate at 10:45a.m, so it’s definitely a session not to be missed.” 

Knight said Spencer will take a tour around the show and visit some exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural technology.

“We hope, by visiting Dairy-Tech, Mr. Spencer will get a flavour of our hard-working and vital industry and all it offers,” Knight said.

“He must understand what’s working and the challenges we are witnessing, such as the labour shortage.”

DAIRY DAIRY-TECH DAIRY-TECH 2023 FARMING MINISTER RABDF