THE woman behind a successful Bradford farm shop is to speak at an event designed to inspire future farmers.

Victoria Robertshaw, founder of Keelham Farm Shop and owner of Delicious Planet Consultancy, is one of a number of entrepreneurs involved in a live streamed virtual debate being organised by the Future Farmers of Yorkshire.

The network, which is supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, aims to bring together younger farmers, vets and industry professionals.

This year, for the first time, their annual Autumn Debate will be broadcast online, on Wednesday, November 11.

The live event will offer ‘Top tips for Keeping an Entrepreneurial Mindset’ and will see a diverse range of experiences shared by a panel from the worlds of farm retail, business consultancy, pollination control and auctioneering.

Sharing their thoughts with a live audience on the night alongside Mrs Robertshaw will be: Hannah Senior, a Nuffield Scholar and managing director of PBS International; Charlotte Wells-Thompson, co-owner of the award-winning Bert’s Barrow Farm Shop in Hillam near Leeds; and Tom Best, auctioneer and art advisor at The Auction Collective.

The Future Farmers of Yorkshire brings together industry leaders and professionals to share their expertise throughout the food supply chain with its 1,000-plus members.

Sponsored by GSC Grays and Yorkshire Bank, the Autumn Debate will be chaired by Charlotte Middlebrook, a primary school teacher and member of the Future Farmers’ management board, and viewers will be invited to submit questions to the panel.

Charlotte said: “Like many industries, farming is facing a challenging period of change and so it is important we feel equipped to look ahead with renewed vigour and ambition. With an entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges before us can bring exciting new opportunities for rural enterprises.

“In this spirit, we come together for our Autumn Debate as we, the Future Farmers of Yorkshire, press on with our mission to develop the best of Yorkshire’s farmers to be the leaders of UK agriculture."

Brian Richardson, UK head of agriculture at Yorkshire Bank said: “The Future Farmers Autumn Debate comes at a vital time for UK Agriculture, with a massive amount of change happening in the sector.

“The effects of these changes will be felt for many years so it’s important that the industry’s future leaders are informed and are involved in discussions to ensure the continued success of the sector."

James Severn, rural director of GSC Grays added: “Our aim, as farmers and professionals alike, must be to navigate this period of adjustment successfully, creating economically and environmentally sustainable farming businesses as part of a forward-thinking agricultural industry.

“Achieving this will demand from us all, creative thinking, an ability to take tough decisions where change is needed and perhaps, above all, to think differently to make the future happen. The theme of the Future Farmers’ Autumn Debate is the perfect starting point for this journey.”

Join the Future Farmers of Yorkshire on Wednesday 11th November 2020 at 7.30pm for the group’s Autumn Debate by registering your details via yas.co.uk/future-farmers-autumn-debate.