Agri-TechE Week: Tackling the Agri challenge with genomics
Agri-TechE 8 November 2016
Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UG
This event has now passed.
Find out how next generation sequencing technologies and high performance computing are being applied to answer the biological challenges of our time.
This session aimed to highlight the challenges faced by breeders, farmers and the wider industry, and how Earlham Institute open-source tools, databases and innovative in-field technologies are being developed to support them.
Open discussion was encouraged through questions from the audience relating to the panel discussion and any issues that it raises. Delegates were split into groups for parallel sessions which included: next-generation sequencing lab tour, high performance computing suite tour and poster presentations with selected research projects.
The evening was concluded by the interactive innovation workshop, led by Earlham Institute experts.
A focus on major themes and challenges promoted the sharing of key challenges and potential solutions including: new technology and accessibility, data storage and analysis, fast response to pests and disease, health of farm animals and the application of next-generation sequencing to crop breeding.
Through discussion of current problems and existing innovations, the groups will identify future goals and construct a ‘route map’ of how we can get there.
Programme
6:00pm Registration and tea and biscuits
6:30pm Panel Discussion:
“Tackling agriculture challenges with Next Generation Sequencing and High Performance Computing technologies”
7:40pm Break-out sessions:
Lab tours, High Performance Computing Suite tours, Posters and refreshments
8:30pm Three Horizons interactive workshop
9:30pm Networking and departure
Further Event Details
Panel Discussion
Tackling agriculture challenges with Next Generation Sequencing and High Performance Computing Technologies
Headed by experts at the Earlham Institute, a panel discussion will introduce key research themes and illustrate how next generation sequencing technologies and high performance computing is applied to answer biological questions.
This session will aim to highlight the challenges faced by breeders, farmers and wider industry and how Earlham Institute’s open-source tools, databases and innovative in-field technologies are being developed to support them. Open discussion is encouraged through questions from the audience relating to the panel discussion and any issues that it raises.
Speakers:
Wilfried Haerty Group Leader
Kirsten McLay Platforms & Pipelines Operational Manager
Timothy Stitt Head of Scientific Computing
Ji Zhou Phenomics Project Leader
Interactive Workshop
Three Horizons
Led by experts at the Earlham Institute, these workshops will promote the sharing of key challenges and potential solutions including: new technology and accessibility, data storage and analysis, fast response to pests and disease, health of farm animals and the application of next-generation sequencing to crop breeding. Through discussion of current problems and existing innovations, the groups will identify future goals and construct a ‘route map’ of how we can get there.
This event has now passed.
Post Overview
Agri-TechE Related Posts
Know your enemy…
Cranfield University research aims to overcome sprouting challenge
PGRO Pulse Agronomy: Field bean seed quality 2018
Consumer Acceptance of Navel Oranges Significantly Improved
AbacusBio believes the Precision Breeding Act presents a ‘huge opportunity’
“Having your own personal weather station provides multiple benefits if you are a farmer,” says Peter Palmer, Sales and Development at Prodata Weather Systems. “Knowledge of wind speed and direction is vital for maintaining good spraying records and for making the decision to spray or not, while rainfall monitoring and information about the soil moisture can improve irrigation decisions.” 
The Japanese see huge potential for UK pea flour as a protein rich alternative for wheat. Pulses are gluten-free, nutritious and do wonders for the soil, so why are peas and beans still an orphan crop and what can we do to boost the value-chain?
As this year’s harvest ramps up the early signs are that this is going to be a challenging year, with indications that barley has suffered from the wet spring and low light levels in June and below average yields are also expected for wheat. But with suggestions that the French harvest is looking poorer still and the low pound boosting exports, the final verdict on profitability remains to be seen. Agriculture is increasingly impacted by global factors and our agri-tech cluster is keen to show the world that we are open for business.
The potential for insect protein to be converted into shaped textured protein is being investigated by Cambridge-based technology consultants Innovia Technology. Consultant Greg Dickens (pictured right) argues that if insect protein was available in textured chunks then it could be incorporated more readily into a wider range of meals.
Most of us have limited influence over how the future will play out, but it is an inspiring to see that entrepreneurs, researchers, technology developers and innovators remain focused on working with the agri-industry to provide solutions that will help ease the pressure we will undoubtedly face while the political landscape becomes more settled.
Sitting thirty-three meters underneath the busy streets of Clapham, a disused air raid shelter from the Second World War is currently producing sustainable and fresh produce, thanks to a new initiative called Growing Underground. These forgotten tunnels provide a pest-free, climate-controlled environment that is close to point of need. This and other innovative new approaches will be discussed at the upcoming Agri-TechE Pollinator meeting “Undercover Agents – New Technologies for Controlled Environment Production” at the Sainsbury Laboratory on 22nd March 2016. 
When is a cluster not a cluster? That’s the question being posed by the UK Government with the European Commission, to try and help regions of the UK and EU identify and celebrate their real sector strengths.
