NFU Conference: A time of connection and insight

This year's National Farmers Union (NFU) conference brought the challenges and opportunities the industry is currently facing into the spotlight, allowing farmers, growers, stakeholders and policy makers to work together to identify and implement the best way forward. Despite the issues, it's clear that with such a passionate industry, the right dialogue and collaboration, there's a bright future ahead.  

This was TIAH’s first time exhibiting at the conference, and it provided a great opportunity for Linda and our membership manager to engage in meaningful conversations with NFU members, each sharing their unique perspectives, challenges and expectations of TIAH. An added bonus was the election of TIAH's board member, Tom Bradshaw, as NFU president. Tom’s insightful contribution and support have helped TIAH launch, and we look forward to working with him in his new role.   

The TIAH stand was a hub of activity, with discussions about the issues of today and the opportunities for tomorrow. We chatted with Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We delved into the importance of earned recognition, a concept that resonates deeply with our mission to reduce the regulatory burden on those who can demonstrate their competence.   

Clear need for a culture of lifelong learning in farming and growing

All the conversations reinforced the necessity of a service like ours that not only supports current needs but also helps people secure skills for the future. We shared the benefits of TIAH membership, emphasising our role in fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development as well as promoting agriculture as a progressive and exciting career choice.  

Across the two days, we listened to speakers share their stories of resilience and adaptability of the farming community. The presentation from Jack Bobo was a refreshing change, providing insight into how much progress has been made and bringing some well-deserved pride back to the industry for their contributions. We heard about innovation, perseverance and a shared desire to advance the industry despite the uncertainties ahead. It was clear that TIAH's personalised offerings, including our tailored Learning Hub and Capability Framework, resonated with many eager to navigate their career in this dynamic sector.  

The NFU conference is more than just an event; it was a melting pot of ideas, aspirations, and a collective vision for a sustainable and thriving future. As we move forward, the insights gained from these two days will fuel TIAH's efforts to help farmers and growers reach their potential and ultimately help drive a passionate and, most importantly, profitable industry.