The British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA) and British Onions Producer Association (BOPA) are delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026 Onion & Carrot Conference, taking place on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the Leicester Tigers Conference Centre.
A key event in the UK vegetable growing calendar, the conference brings together growers, researchers, agronomists, breeders, suppliers and industry professionals from across the onion and carrot supply chains. It provides an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
The one-day conference will feature a comprehensive programme of expert speakers, delivering the latest updates on crop production, research, innovation, market developments, policy and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Alongside the conference programme, delegates will have the opportunity to visit a bustling trade exhibition showcasing the latest products, technologies and services from leading industry suppliers, while enjoying valuable networking opportunities throughout the day.
The organising committee is also pleased to confirm that support from the industry has once again been exceptional. Sponsorship packages have been met with overwhelming demand, demonstrating the continued commitment of businesses across the supply chain to supporting the UK’s onion and carrot sectors. A strong exhibition is also taking shape, with exhibitors representing every aspect of crop production and supply.
Thanks go to all of this year’s sponsors for their generous support:
- Main Sponsor: Elsoms Seeds Ltd & Bejo
- Networking Lunch Sponsor: Hazera UK
- Carrot Technical Sponsor: BASF Nunhems
- Onion Technical Sponsor: Syngenta UK Ltd
- Conference Programme Sponsor: Infield Innovation Ltd
- Networking Beverages Sponsor: Allium Crop Solutions Ltd
- Gala Dinner Sponsor: TOP The Onion Group
- After Dinner Speaker Sponsor: Stourgarden Ltd
- Gala Dinner Wine Sponsor: Moulton Bulb Co
- Gala Dinner Drinks Reception Sponsor: Sakata UK Ltd
Main Sponsor Elsoms, together with co-sponsor Bejo, is proud to support this year’s conference. Chris Bettinson, Crop Manager – Alliums at Elsoms, said: “At Elsoms, we are delighted to sponsor the Onion and Carrot Conference alongside our partners, Bejo. As the UK’s largest independent seed company, we are committed to supporting the long-term success of the Onion and Carrot sectors through investment in plant breeding innovation, seed treatment technology and active support of the associations that represent growers’ interests.
The conference plays an important role in bringing the industry together, creating opportunities for valuable dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration. It also provides a platform to support the work of the crop associations, helping to ensure they have the resources needed to act swiftly on behalf of growers when critical issues, such as emergency authorisations, arise.
Whether through investment in new technologies, strategic research partnerships, or close collaboration with growers, Bejo and Elsoms remain committed to delivering the next generation of varieties and seed technologies helping UK growers meet the current and future challenges.”
Networking doesn’t end when the conference closes. Delegates are invited to continue the conversations at the Onion & Carrot Gala Dinner, providing a relaxed setting to catch up with colleagues and forge new industry connections.
This year’s Gala Dinner Sponsor, TOP The Onion Group, commented: “As a fully integrated grower, processor and exporter, TOP The Onion Group is proud to support this event as the main sponsor of the Gala Dinner. We are committed to contributing to a strong, sustainable and innovative future for the industry.”
The Gala Dinner will also feature after-dinner speaker Tom Youngs, former Leicester Tigers and England international rugby player, who has traded the rugby pitch for the farming field. Tom will entertain guests with stories from his time in professional rugby before sharing how life has changed since hanging up his boots and returning to agriculture, giving delegates the opportunity to hear how he’s getting on in the field after getting off the pitch.
The event is also proud to be supporting Movember, raising funds to help tackle men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. A charity raffle will be held during the Conference and Gala Dinner, building on the fantastic support received at the 2024 conference for the Farming Community Network (FCN).
The organising committee is now inviting businesses to support the raffle by donating prizes. Whether it’s a hamper, voucher, experience or product, every donation will help maximise the funds raised for this important cause.
Whether you are a grower, agronomist, researcher, supplier or industry stakeholder, the 2026 Onion & Carrot Conference offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed, discover the latest innovations, strengthen industry connections and contribute to discussions on the future of UK onion and carrot production.
Registration is now open, and delegates are encouraged to book early to secure their place. Visit www.onionandcarrotconference.co.uk
If your business would like to donate a raffle prize, become a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact events@britishgrowers.org.
