Policy priorities for UK agri-science and innovation
Agri-TechE is joining AHDB and NFU in providing expert input to the next meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, the meeting is focussing on the policy priorities for UK agri-science and innovation.

The APPG on Science and Technology in Agriculture provides an important forum for debate among UK politicians and stakeholders and seeks to identify any policy, knowledge-based or regulatory barriers to its development and application.
A number of recent industry reports have sparked calls for a revolution in UK farm productivity and efficiency, and a new vision to ensure the effective delivery and uptake of on-farm innovation.
The expert speakers include:
Tom Hind, Chief Strategy Officer at AHDB – the Horizon report Driving productivity growth together sets out a five-point plan to drive growth in UK agricultural productivity.
Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech – its report From grass roots to blue skies: A vision for agri-tech suggests that the current production model for UK agriculture is not sustainable economically or environmentally, and sets out a new vision for the agri-tech sector.
Dr Helen Ferrier, Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser at NFU – to provide a farming industry perspective and report on the outcomes from workshop organised jointly with Rothamsted to explore R&D priorities for UK agriculture.
Professor David Leaver – whose original report for the APPG on R&D priorities in UK agriculture was instrumental in helping to make the case for the Agri-TechE Strategy. Professor Leaver is to offer some personal reflections on the progress made in addressing the key recommendations in his 2010 report.
Belinda comments: “It is privilege to be given the opportunity to address the APPG and a great opportunity to put forward our vision for the agri-tech sector. Science and innovation has a critical role in the future of the agri-food sector and I am looking forward to meeting the group and hearing their input and questions.”
Agri-TechE 





The Start-Up Showcase was again a highlight of the conference and the supporting technology exhibition profiled a number of early stage companies that have shown significant progress over recent years.






Matthew Smith was an ecologist before he joined Microsoft to lead the development of new predictive models for environmental systems, he spoke to us a couple of years ago and in that time the digitisation of agriculture has gathered momentum.





3,2,1….HACK! We’re mixing things up this year and instead of our national GROW agri-tech business plan competition, we’re going to be running an AgriTech hackathon in partnership with Allia Serious Impact 7-8 April in Cambridge.





We are planning a great programme for this year, but in the meantime a huge thank you to everyone who hosted, organised or attended events for Agri-TechE Week 2017.





Funding is complex and we aim to sign-post the best opportunities for Agri-TechE on our website in the funding section.










Managing the land to protect water quality will be one of the topics discussed at our January Pollinator meeting 





All breeders wait with anticipation for the launch of the AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) which are the result of extensive trials. The presentation of the lists is continually being improved and the AHDB is seeking input on their clarity.









Jargon used by technologists can be an obstacle to its adoption, so we are busting it this year by selecting the most relevant of the emerging technology streams and exploring its value for agriculture. Farming also has its ‘in phrases’ and we will de-mystify these and see how value can be achieved by taking a fresh approach. Here are a few of the events we are planning – if you would like to see a subject included for the following year then do 





Small Robot Company to offer farming-as-a-service model
Agrilytix making satellite sourced data accessible to farmers
Connecting Food uses Blockchain to secure food quality
Phytoponics inflatable modules make quality hydroponics affordable




