Biosecurity hazards explored at Norfolk Farming Conference 2025

The 2025 Norfolk Farming Conference provided a platform for discussion on the resilience of East Anglian farms to withstand the challenges posed by widespread diseases that threaten animal health and crop production. Chaired by Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-tech E, the event attracted around 450 farmers and rural professionals. Topics discussed included the changing nature of food supply chain requirements and strategies for effectively managing growing responsibilities environmentally. A key theme that was discussed at length was the UK’s level of biosecurity preparedness for pests and diseases. These can cause considerable damage to crops and livestock and can have a significantly detrimental impact on agricultural businesses. Sascha van Helvoort, Veterinary Officer for the Distribution of Epidemics at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), pointed out that factors such as climate change, the increasing interaction between wild and farmed animals and humans, and threats from animal diseases are putting farmers under continuous pressure. The APHA is responsible for monitoring potential threats from abroad, including illegal imports of infected meat and animals across international borders. Biosecurity measures, such as the implementation of safe fencing, the limitation of visitors, and the strict application of cleaning and disinfection protocols, serve as the primary defence against such threats for UK farms, van Helvoort emphasized.