The event brought together leading farmers and food industry experts to discuss potential solutions to key agricultural challenges.

The panel included Prof Andrew Fearne of the Norwich Business School at the UEA, Nick Hood, chairman of farmer-owned grain storage and processing facility Yaregrain, Andrew Peal from Salle Farms near Reepham, Tim Place of Norfolk fruit growers Place UK, and Ellie Wood of Crisp Malt, based in Great Ryburgh.

A major topic was the importance of harnessing data - not only to improve decision-making and efficiency on farms, but also as an increasingly valuable sustainability metric within the supply chain.

Panellists said farm information such as water usage, carbon, biodiversity and environmental indicators is being required by large food and drink corporations as they seek to hit their own "net zero" targets and environmental responsibilities.

So a key question was how to bring the value of this data back to the farms where it was generated.

Mr Hood said: "The customer up-chain is demanding more information. They want to express low carbon on beer, biscuits or flour, whatever it is, and we need to coordinate that........

© Eastern Daily Press