The annual National Farmer's Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) is set to host its next conference in Bristol, from February 26 to 28.

This year's event looks to the future with optimism, and discusses the implications of Brexit and changes in the food retail world in years to come.

Based in The Grand hotel, the FARMA conference begins by exploring Bristol's vibrant food scene with a 'moveable feast'.

During the conference 150 participants will be jumping onto one of four facilitated tours to some of the regions best farm shops and local retailers.

Expert speakers will explore people, politics and leadership, beginning with an in-depth look at young consumers.

The opening session will ask how well retailers really know young people as customers and staff, before Dr Paul Redmond of Manchester University and Nikhil Acharya from Inkling brand consultants will be discussing attitudes, desires, hopes and fears.

Paul McGee, one of the UK's top speakers on the subject of change, will be bringing the event to a close with a session on leading businesses through change.

The conference will also include a butchery competition with AHDB, cookery demonstrations from Taste of Game, workshops on merchandising with the Guild of Fine Food and much more.

Michael Mack, managing agent of FARMA, said: "The aim is to give those attending inspiration and ideas about how their farm retail businesses can flourish.

"It is a hugely rewarding sector emulated by supermarkets, garden centres and artisan food businesses across the UK.

"To maintain this reputation and stay ahead of the game, it’s vital to plan a path through the challenges ahead.”