Speaking at an event held at Marlborough House, London – the home of the Commonwealth Secretariat – the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth’s Chairman, Lord Vestey said ‘We are delighted that the 29 conference is back in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 1963, this conference has brought together agriculturalists from across the Commonwealth nations to help transfer knowledge and generate a better understanding of the issues facing the farmers and growers that feed the world”.

The conference will be organised by RASC member the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) and will be held at the University of East Anglia, on the outskirts of Norwich. Titled "A circular economy - sustainable for agricultural society" the conference will consider how circular economies and agriculture can work together to meet global sustainability challenges.

Over 300 delegates from agricultural associations and societies from around the world will use the event to examine innovative approaches to creating groundbreaking circular economies by developing reciprocal relationships between producers and consumers which will minimise losses, negate waste and reduce emissions.

Next year’s conference will be preceded by a four-day tour of the region including visits to HM The Queen’s Sandringham Estate, Norfolk and Suffolk-based agribusinesses and the UK’s largest two-day agricultural show, the Royal Norfolk Show. In addition, separate mini-conferences for the leaders of RASC member organisations and the Next Generation (members under the age of 40) are held before the main conference.

Greg Smith CEO of the RNAA said “We’re very excited to be holding this prestigious conference in Norfolk in 2020. As well as being at the forefront of innovative British farming today, historically the region is the crucible of global agricultural development. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the Commonwealth, sharing our experiences with them and working together to help tackle some of the major issues facing the world.

He added “Over the next few months we will be unveiling a powerful programme of speakers and activities that will inform, influence and inspire our delegates – and create an experience to remember.”

Full information on the conference can be found here. Delegate and accommodation booking for the conference will open on 1 July 2019.