Agri-TechE June 2020 Newsletter

Alternative thinking is our theme for this month, as we look beyond the challenges to the opportunities they create.

– REAP 2020: from micro to macro – what do you need to measure to manage?
– The GROW final: a new generation of exciting innovations – AgFunder’s head of research offers insights from their latest report
– There is growing demand for plant proteins and other alternatives crops- are you missing an opportunity? Free webinar 17 June
– Innovation Hub asks some big questions….and offers some answers
– Circular Agriculture – members take a fresh look at waste and efficiency
– DIT Lookbook – take your innovation international – deadline 1^st June

We are issuing a call-to-arms! To meet the ambitious goals of the Agriculture Bill and the Environment Bill, robust and automated methods are needed to measure the base-line and subsequent improvements towards net zero. These are vital tools if farmers are to be rewarded for public goods.

As we announce the theme for REAP 2020, we are asking about innovations that will enable the agri-food system to be managed at different scales, from micro-organism through to macro-management of land? Read more in the blog.

REAP will take place on 10th November 2020.

AgFunder’s report into agri-tech investment in Europe is hot off the press. Louisa Burwood-Taylor, AgFunder’s Head of Media & Research, is a guest speaker at the GROW final and will be giving her insights.

Louisa says the diversity of the UK’s agri-tech scene is notable, with particular strengths in areas such as alternative proteins, digitisation, robotics and biotech. She is looking forward to seeing the finalists present.

The GROW Final will take place on 4^th June 2020, to which all of our members are invited – make your vote count in our Audience Choice Award winner!

The market for plant-based proteins has expanded rapidly, but the land area for alternative crops has barely changed for almost 40 years – is this a missed opportunity for profitable diversification?

In the webinar ‘Novel and Alternative Crops – Improving rotation AND the bottom line’ a number of experts give their views and learnings on growing unusual crops, and their potential markets.

Event: 17^th June – book here.

The interactive spirit of the Royal Norfolk Show Innovation Hub is to be captured virtually.

Demonstrators will address a number of challenging questions.

Can coffee beans and waste paper help solve our global challenges? Should we be feeding the plant not the soil with phosphorous? 2019 was a year of extremes, can resilience be improved?

Event: 1^st/2^nd July – find out more here.

A move towards a Circular Economy, where the focus is put on improving efficiencies, cutting waste and making better use of resources, is gaining momentum.

How are our members responding? We’ll be hearing about research and practical solutions provided by members.

A short video presentation will be followed by a lively Q&A on Twitter.

Event: 8^th July – find out more here.

New Members: Material Change

Renewing Members: Agrix Advisors | Analytik Ltd | Biomation | Crop Angel Ltd | De Sangosse | East of England Agricultural Association | Farmscan Ag | Glaia | Greens of Soham | Pearson Gape Farming Partnership | Rothamsted Research | Stable | Scarab Solutions |

ICYMI: earlier this month, we hosted a teaser for our day-long conference looking at the potential for the UK to grow hemp and Cannabis. We’ve put together a 10 minute highlight video for you to discover the key points; find the video on our website. Members can expect the event report in the next Member Update.

Cereals Live – members contribute to this alternative approach to Cereals.