UK&I Rural Conference

Overview

The UK&I Rural Conference 2026 brought together rural professionals, landowners, advisers and industry leaders for a day of expert insight, practical guidance and valuable networking at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester.

Against a backdrop of evolving policy, economic uncertainty and increasing pressure on rural assets, the conference explored the issues shaping the future of the sector. Delegates gained insights into key developments affecting rural practice, from taxation and trade agreements to renewable energy, diversification opportunities and the retrofit of historic buildings.

The conference also examined how innovation and emerging technologies are influencing decision-making across the rural landscape, providing attendees with practical knowledge to help manage risk, identify opportunities and support long-term resilience.

Highlights from the 2026 programme:

• Rural policy developments and their impact on the agricultural sector.
• Taxation updates for rural businesses and landowners.
• Trade agreements and implications for the rural economy.
• Opportunities for vineyard development and wine production.
• Energy efficiency and retrofit in historic buildings.
• Innovation, AI and emerging technologies in the rural sector.
• Renewable energy options and lease negotiations.
• Land agreements and development opportunities.
   

Key Speakers included:

• Nick Maclean, President, RICS
  
• Gail Soutar, Head of Trade and Business Strategy, National Farmers' Union (NFU)
• Nikos Papapesios, Head of Innovation Analytics, Knight Frank
• Rob Paul FRICS, Director, RP Rural & Energy
• Alan Laidlaw, Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector
• James Pryor, Senior Analyst, Knight Frank
• Janet Dwyer, Co-Director of NICRE and Professor of Rural Policy at the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI)
• David O’Reilly MRICS, Managing Director, Ainscough

Testimonials from 2026