The Agri-Expo(SE) event will break new ground as the first of its kind in this part of the world, but it has its roots in smaller events that have proved equally popular with the Kent and Sussex farming community. The event which will be held at the Kent County Showground in Detling on 1st March and be officially opened by Peter Kendall, NFU President.
George Jessel, DL, Chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society is thrilled that the Showground will host this ground-breaking venture. He said “I am delighted that Peter Kendall is attending the first ever Agri-Expo (SE) at the County Showground and the Society’s partnership with RAMSAK and SouthEast Farmer has helped to fulfil many of our charitable objectives”. He continued, “This proves that Kent is firmly on the radar of the agricultural community and it is very fitting that the Kent County Agricultural Society will be the host”.
The event has been championed by RAMSAK who have held two machinery demonstration days in 2009 and 2010 that were the fore-runner to this years larger Agri-Expo. The day will concentrate on showing the farming community the latest products and innovations in the industry with a particular emphasis on fruit growing. It will be an opportunity for farmers and growers to evaluate the benefits of new equipment talk to the manufacturers’ representatives and see rival products side by side. There are over 110 stands booked into two large exhibition halls at the Showground and the organisers expect several more companies to register over the next week. For those companies bringing larger equipment (such as combines etc) there is sufficient room on the grass areas that surround the exhibition halls.
Peter Kendall, NFU President was delighted to be asked to formally open the event. He has been at the National Farmers Union AGM this month where many important issues about farming and the countryside were debated speakers included Caroline Spelman MP, Minister of State, DEFRA, who gave the opening remarks on Tuesday 15th February. Peter Kendall farms in Eyeworth, East Bedfordshire, in partnership with his brother Richard and has 620 hectares of combinable crops. Peter was Chairman of NFU Cereals in 2003, before becoming Deputy President in 2004 and President in 2006.
