Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to address FRA Conference 2026

The Farm Retail Association (FRA) has announced that its long-standing Patron, food writer and broadcaster Hugh Fearley-Whittingstall, will be the key speaker at its 2026 conference.  Hugh will make the opening address to delegates, followed by a Q&A in conversation with FRA Chair, Emma Mosey.

Reflecting Hugh’s passion for preserving our countryside as well as cultivating and cooking delicious and healthy food, the talk will focus on “From Transaction to Trust: Growing a Food Following through Passion and Authenticity.” In 2025, Hugh fronted the FRA’s More Than Food campaign to encourage more people to shop locally at farm retailers and to consider both the economic and environmental ramifications of doing so.

Other talks during the day will include

• Professor Tim Leunig (award-winning economist): growing footfall and return visitors in farm retail outlets
• Richard McCarthy from the World Farmers Market Coalition: how farmers markets are influencing the food industry across the world

This Farm Retail Association members' event will take place 10-12 March at the Pavilions in Harrogate.

To join the FRA and receive exclusive discounts on tickets, visit https://farmretail.co.uk/memberships/ now.