Essex farmer and National Farmers' Union vice president Guy Smith is set to argue against a ban on weed killer glyphosate at an event in June

The Oxford Farming Conference is hosting the debate on Wednesday, June 14, at arable farming event Cereals 2017, which takes place at Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire.

The Clacton farmer will oppose the motion 'this house believes pre-harvest use of glyphosate should be banned'.

The Oxford Farming debate will be chaired by Farming Today's Anna Hill, with Nick Mole, Pesticide Action Network policy officer, proposing the motion with Steven Jacobs of Organic Farmers and Growers. Mr Smith will oppose the motion with Sean Sparling, chairman of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants.

Organiser Tom Allen-Stevens said: 'The Oxford Farming debate is always a lively, hearty discussion. It's serious, but humorous.'

He added: 'It was a real highlight of Cereals last year, with a packed floor and great feedback. It's free to come along, and I would really encourage people to take part. The debate is thrown open to the floor and you can have two minutes to make your point.'

The Oxford Farming debate will be preceded by a politics session with Meurig Raymond and farming minister George Eustice.