Early-Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF)
For new starters in agriculture: explore the world of farming and agri-tech, enhance your knowledge and skills, and build your first agri network.
About ECIF
The Early-Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF) is a platform that unites early career individuals interested in agricultural innovation through a diverse programme of free activities.
Being part of the ECIF Programme will allow you to:
- Explore innovation across various areas of agriculture
- Develop your professional network by connecting you with other early career individuals
- Acquire valuable tools and resources to help you thrive professionally in the agricultural industry
Whether you’ve recently graduated or are at the beginning of your professional career, we recognise that this is a crucial time to step out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizon.
However, taking those first steps can seem daunting and knowing where to start can be a challenge. ECIF provides a welcoming, friendly and informal environment where you will meet other graduates and professionals from a variety of backgrounds including research, agronomy, engineering, consultancy, farming and tech development.
Join the ECIF Programme to build your professional network and be part of a dynamic community of early career individuals united by their passion for agriculture and agri-tech!
Partnerships
Together, Agri-TechE , ECIF, and the Young Farmers Club are nurturing the next generation of agri-innovators and sustainable business leaders.
Agri-TechE ’s new collaboration with the Young Farmers Club creates new opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation in agriculture. By connecting young farmers with researchers, technologists, and industry leaders, the partnership helps bridge practical experience with cutting-edge agri-tech solutions.
Through workshops, events, and networking, members gain insights into emerging technologies shaping the future of farming.
ECIF Programme
The ECIF Programme delivers a diverse range of free activities to enhance your knowledge, facilitate information-sharing, and expand your professional network in agriculture.
Early-career individuals can participate in the ECIF Programme at one of three progressive levels to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate, over a period of up to four years.
Your award will serve as a valuable testament to the skills, knowledge, and industry insights you’ve gained through these experiences. Showcase it in future job applications or on your LinkedIn profile to stand out!
Activities
- Research, farm and industry visits to enhance your knowledge of the industry from lab to field.
- An annual ECIF conference to explore and discuss topical themes to help you navigate the agricultural sector.
- Professional skills webinars to help with your career development.
- Content creation such as blog-writing or filming short videos to improve communication and information-sharing skills.
- Make friends and forge professional connections in and beyond your community.
See below for a detailed breakdown of how many points you can get according to the type of activity.
*some Agri-TechE events incur a cost. A bursary is available for students and farmers to attend our annual REAP Conference.
The ECIF Programme is non-accredited, offering a distinctive and flexible learning experience. Our solid reputation within the agri-tech ecosystem is built on a foundation of excellence. Past participants have excelled in the ECIF environment, appreciating the freedom to explore their passions and pathways while cultivating a valuable network.
We provide high-quality educational events and mentorship, connecting participants with practitioners, projects, and organisations. Our track record of success, including employment opportunities, further education, and entrepreneurial ventures, underscores the value of ECIF for those pursuing careers in the agriculture and agri-tech industries.
Activities & Events
Opening Forum – Early Careers Innovators
Find out how you can explore agriculture, get involved and meet with new starters in the agri-tech community.
27th January 2026, 18:00 – 19:00: Online Event
Telling the Story of Agriculture: Making an Impact Through Media & PR
Hear from agri-media experts who reveal how social media and PR be used to share your passion for agriculture.
3rd March, 13:00 – 14:00: Online Event
The Productive Landscape: NatureTech for Profit and Planet
How can technology enable delivery of food, nature recovery, and climate resilience — all at once?
28th April 2026, 09:30 – 17:00: In person Event
Discounts: If you are signed up to the ECIF programme and affiliated with a member organisation, you will receive the standard member discount according to the organisation’s membership tier. Non-member young farmers may also qualify for a discounted ticket to the NatureTech Conference. Enquire here
Join ECIF
Complete the form below to join the ECIF Programme, be part of a vibrant community and start earning points today!
ECIF events are suitable for those who have spent less than 5 years in agriculture.
For any enquiries or if you would like to host a visit please contact info@agri-tech-e.co.uk
ECIF is kindly sponsored by The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF), a charity that hosts and facilitates agricultural research and education.
Blogs and past event reports
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