Dr Louise Manning authored the Oxford Farming Conference Report presented to delegates on the 8th January. Funded by the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust, the report represents the people on the frontline of UK farming and the unique challenges they face in a BANI world. The report argues that traditional resilience strategies are no longer sufficient in this unstable climate. Manning calls for a clear, long term strategy that defines the future we want for UK agriculture.
The Oxford Farming Conference Report
The Oxford Farming Conference Report is based on the discussions of 25 leaders across the global agrifood industry. Dr Louise Manning describes the current farming climate as a BANI world: Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible. The report argues that change is no longer an option, and urgent action is required to move UK farming out of survival mode. It outlines the necessary requirements to grasp opportunities and thrive amidst the growing challenges for the sector.
Dr Manning describes the unique adaptations needed to thrive in a BANI world: ‘traditional approaches to managing risk no longer work. What has happened in the past does not necessarily reflect what we will need to adapt to in the future. Farming businesses must build robustness, inspire confidence, embrace non-linear change and use data to make sense of complexity.’
What Does a Good Future for UK Agriculture Look Like?
The report is structured around two key questions. Manning argues a clear vision of the future we desire is necessary before we can make any progress in the policy arena. The report hopes for policy that is clear, consistent and aware of geographical differences. It wants farming businesses to be recognised as profitable, innovative and essential contributors to a balanced economy and environment. Manning describes her vision for robust farming businesses that are mission led, data driven and worth significant investment.
Manning notes that achieving this future will require significant changes: ‘given the current economic and policy environment farming businesses need to revisit and refine their business planning and its execution. This will require businesses to set a direction of travel and nurture an environment of curiosity, agility and courage in decision-making.’
What are the Necessary Interventions to Reach This Outcome?
In order to achieve the positive vision outlined above there will need to be investment in the skills and systems necessary to move forward. This encourages growth of new businesses that will continue to transform the agricultural sector. The report suggests a need for a data driven industry, with better sharing of knowledge and technology across the sector. This will enable sharing of resilience strategies and alternative income sources from business assets.
Manning also argues for agile farm management, able to absorb relevant, up to date market insights. In order to grow there must also be modern education programmes and training sessions. The next farming generation must capitalize on digital technologies and entrepreneurial opportunities. Most importantly, the report urges for confidence and direction. Policy frameworks need to align with the vision for the future we want for UK agriculture.
Grasping the Opportunities
Manning suggests the UK agricultural sector needs to leave behind a pervasive gloomy and defensive mindset. She says a shift towards a growth opportunity driven mindset will inspire positive thinking and decision making. ‘We need to see inevitable change not as a threat, but as a space to innovate and grow.’ The report asks policymakers, businesses and individuals to look forward and invest in robust businesses capable of thriving in uncertain conditions.
UK agriculture has shown itself capable of significant adaptation before and Manning argues it will need to do so again: ‘The UK agricultural sector has revitalised and realigned repeatedly in the last century when external economic, geo-political and policy environments have shifted. The UK agricultural sector and farming businesses need to dig deep and do so again.’
Adapting for the Future
Delegates at the January 2026 Oxford Farming Conference received the Oxford Farming Conference Report. It calls for urgent action to improve the resilience of the UK agricultural sector in an unstable climate. Author Dr Louise Manning argues the need for clear, consistent policy that aligns with a united vision for a positive future for UK agriculture. The report suggests farming businesses must adopt growth opportunity mindsets and accept change and instability as the new constant.
