NBA Beef Expo Seminars to Tackle Food Security, Innovation and the Future of British Beef

Politicians, industry leaders and producers will take centre stage at this year's National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo, as a packed seminar programme addresses the key challenges facing the UK beef sector.

The four sessions will bring together a strong line-up of speakers from across government, the supply chain and industry, with discussion and debate focusing on government commitment to food security, the role of innovation in driving the sector forward, the importance of education in shaping consumer understanding, and the value of domestic food production.

Taking place at Melton Mowbray Market, Leicestershire, on Saturday 30^th May, Beef Expo remains one of the UK's leading one-day events for the beef industry, Government ministers attracting farmers, breeders and stakeholders from across the country.

Seminar Timetable:
9.30am – What Government's Commitment to Food Security Looks Like
11.30am – Innovation in Beef Production
1.30pm – Beefing up the UK diet – why education matters more than ever
3.00pm – Debating the Value of Domestic Food Production

Neil Shand, CEO of the National Beef Association, said: "These seminars are designed to get to the heart of the issues shaping the future of British beef production. From food security and government policy through to the value of domestic production, we want to bring clarity, evidence and real-world experience into the discussion and ensure the voice of the producer is firmly part of that national conversation."

The seminar programme will open with "What Government's Commitment to Food Security Looks Like", chaired by Prys Morgan.

Panellists include Daniel Zeichner MP, Scott Donaldson (H&H), Kent Bacus (National Cattlemen's Beef Association, USA), and Sarah Millar, CEO of Quality Meat Scotland, alongside representatives from across the political spectrum.

This will be followed by "Innovation in Beef Production", exploring how the sector is evolving, with speakers including John Powell (BMPA), vet Rob Drysdale, and representatives from Waitrose and Dovecote Park.

The AHDB-led session, "Beefing up the UK diet – why education matters more than ever", chaired by Ben Harman, will examine the role of education, nutrition and communication in shaping consumer perceptions. Speakers include Roz Reynolds, AHDB Head of Strategic Operations, Education and Nutrition; dairy farmer Elaine Smith; Kate Arthur, AHDB Head of Nutrition and Health; and Kate Hilton, Registered Dietician.

This session will focus on the importance of clear, evidence-based communication in helping consumers better understand the nutritional value of beef, as well as engaging younger generations with where their food comes from.

AHDB Head of Nutrition and Health Kate Arthur said, "Education has a vital role to play in helping people make informed choices about the food they eat. By improving understanding of nutrition, sustainability and food production, we can ensure that beef continues to be recognised as a valuable part of a healthy, balanced diet. This session is about giving producers and the wider industry the tools and confidence to communicate that message clearly."

The final session, "Debating the Value of Domestic Food Production", will be chaired by NBA CEO Neil Shand and will take the form of an open and interactive discussion.

Panellists are expected to include Sir Mark Spencer, Robert Gilchrist (Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society), Ben Harman (NBA Chair), Joseph Keating (Co-op), Philippa Wiltshire (Red Tractor), and Kent Bacus (NCBA), with further political representatives invited.

Together, the two political sessions will explore the challenge of food security from different angles, examining both what meaningful government commitment looks like, and the wider economic, environmental and strategic importance of maintaining domestic food production.

Neil Shand added, "The programme at Beef Expo this year focuses on some of the most important and immediate challenges facing our industry. Food security and domestic production are no longer theoretical discussions they are central to the future of British agriculture, and it's vital that producers are part of that conversation.

"We've brought together a wide range of voices to ensure a balanced and informed debate, and we expect strong engagement from the floor throughout the day."

Free to attend, NBA Beef Expo, incorporating the National Commercial Cattle Show, the Beef Expo trade exhibition and the SRUC Health Hub, will take place on Saturday 30^th May at Melton Mowbray Market, Leicestershire.

Further information can be found at www.beef-expo.co.uk.