Shaping solutions on the Seed to Shelf stage at Cereals 2025

• Latest crops varieties and genetics

• Work as partners with supply chain

• Insight and advice on productivity

Sharing knowledge to find solutions will be the theme of this year’s seminar programme at the Cereals event.

Market volatility, farm support and changing legislation will all be among the topics discussed on the Seed to Shelf stage – a series of farmer-focused seminars to equip arable businesses with the information needed to thrive in uncertain times.

Sponsored by KWS, the Seed to Shelf stage dives deep into the arable supply chain – from policies and finance to seed development and crop choices.

Across two days, visitors will gain practical insight into ways they can boost productivity, improve margins and tap into market opportunities – all while reducing their environmental impact.

“Farmers are facing tighter margins, rising input costs, and more complex sustainability expectations than ever,” says KWS marketing manager Andy McGrath.

“Seed to Shelf is about helping growers make informed decisions that deliver value throughout the entire chain – from genetics to grain specifications, and beyond.”

KWS will showcase its latest genetics – like new Group 1 wheat variety KWS Vibe – and how it meets grower and processor needs, says Mr McGrath.

“Our focus is not just on yield but also traits like disease resistance and grain quality that reduce input reliance and deliver better returns. It’s about practical innovation that works in the field and adds value all the way to the end product.

“As part of our new Productivity2 initiative we are also looking at how yield and quality improvements from genetics, combined with more efficient use of inputs through key traits like disease resistance, can improve productivity and margins for growers.

Supply chain

Extending this thinking into the stages of food and drink production can help reduce the carbon footprint of products, says Mr McGrath.

“In some cases – we have also been able to improve efficiency in the following process, such as greater alcohol extraction.

“We believe passionately that on-the-ground farming must integrate fully with the wider food supply chain industry and it is precisely for this reason that we are so proud to be the main sponsor of the Seed to Shelf initiative at Cereals.”

Looking to some of the opportunities in the arable sector, a session sponsored by the UK Agri-Tech Centre will delve into some of the latest innovations the centre has supported, led by head of sustainability Harry Langford.

The theme of emerging technologies will be addressed by former Defra secretary George Eustice. He will examine the promise and potential of precision breeding in a session sponsored by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN).

Good insight

“George was the Defra minister when the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill went through,” says  BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens.

“He has a really good insight into what ministers were trying to achieve with the legislation and why it is an opportunity for the UK.

“We will be exploring that, as well as the science behind precision-bred organisms.”

Another key interest for Mr Eustice is biopesticides, which will also be touched on in the discussions.

“Biostimulants and bio-pesticides offer an awful lot of opportunity to UK growers, and we’ve seen benefits in trials,” says Mr Allen-Stevens.

“But we need more data from commercial farms, which we’re unable to do with the current legislation.

Champion

“George is championing a change in the law on bio-pesticides, in a similar way to how precision-bred organisms are being treated, which sounds like a really good idea and something I’m keen to explore in this discussion.”

Other sessions include advice on diversifying your farm business, sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages, as well as a panel discussion with the Women in Food and Farming Network, says event director Alli McEntyre.

“With uncertainty over future land use, trade deals, and food policy, there’s never been a more important time for farmers.”