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.
What does ECIF offer?
- A free, four-year programme designed to support the next generation of agriculture and agri-tech professionals
- Access to ECIF events, in person and online, industry insights and networking opportunities
- Opportunities to connect with farmers, researchers, businesses, innovators and future industry leaders
- Opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills
- Exposure to emerging technologies, innovation and challenges across the agri-food sector
- A pathway into the wider Agri-TechE community following completion of the four-year cohort
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!
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
Society for Agriculture Farm Management Skills Program
We have two fully funded places for ECIF to attend the Farm Management Skills Program hosted by Harper Adams University, run from November 16th 2026. The program will be delivered through eight expert-led, one-day modules, it covers key areas of farm business management, from personal effectiveness and managing people to finance, risk, agreements and the future direction of the industry. All you would need to do is find your accommodation and food.
To apply send an up-to-date CV directly to Kate Brunswick via email with the heading Application for FSMP. Please include a cover letter/email stating why this opportunity is important to you and would make a difference to your future professional aspirations. The successful candidates will be selected from the applications.
Measure What Matters: Why Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is Becoming Essential – 1 October, Online
Explore Life Cycle Assessment methodologies and their increasing importance in measuring environmental impacts across agricultural and food supply chains.
Use ECIF_LCA discount code to get your free place
From Promise to Practice: What’s Good Enough? REAP Conference 2026 – 4 November, Peterborough
Bursary is available for farmers and those in full-time education in agriculture. Explore cutting-edge agri-tech advancements and global agricultural challenges through farmer-centric discussions.
Agri-Tech Week 2026 – 19-23 October [Programme will be announced soon]
Agri-TechE’s annual initiative featuring a programme of events curated by Agri-TechE and hosted by its members. It is an opportunity to gain new knowledge, strengthen networks and gather fresh insights.
ECIF Conference 2026: Protecting Agriculture on the Digital Frontier – From Soil to Cloud. 26 November [Agenda will be announced soon]
Navigate emerging climate and cyber threats while leveraging digital tools to safeguard the future of agriculture. All day conference. In-Person event; free to attend.
Events to be revealed for 2026-2027:
- Review of the Year – a look back at key activities, achievements, and events.
- Circularity in Action – exploring practical approaches to sustainability and resource efficiency in modern farming.
- Viticulture in a Changing Agritech World – examining how innovation and technology are shaping the future of vineyard management and wine production in the UK.
- Oat Milk process and production – a case study in alternative dairy production, with a focus on oat milk and changing consumer demand.
- Engineering Open Day at G’s – a review of the recent event and insights from the latest developments in agricultural engineering.
- Future Visits – an agricultural multinational industry specializing in seeds, crop genetics, and farming-related services.
Past ECIF 2026 Events:
Am I eligible for ECIF events and programme?
You’re eligible to join the Early Careers Innovators Forum (ECIF) if:
- You are over 18
- You are currently in full-time education, or
- You are working in an Agriculture or Agri-Food role and wish to expand knowledge
- You have been working in your current professional role for less than five years
- You are interested in the future of agriculture, agri-tech and the wider agri-food sector form another industry
- You are keen to build your knowledge, expand your professional network and develop your skills and leadership experience.
The programme provides a structured four-year engagement journey, offering opportunities to build knowledge, expand professional networks, develop leadership skills and engage with innovation across the agri-food sector. At the end of the four-year programme, participants will automatically leave the cohort and be invited to continue their journey within the Agri-TechE community as a full member, remaining connected to a network of innovators, collaborators and industry leaders.
If you have any questions about the programme or your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’d be happy to help.
Complete the form below to join the ECIF Programme, be part of a vibrant community and start earning points today!
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.
Agri-TechE and Society of Agriculture continue to strengthen their early-career communities.
Read more about the partnership announcement.
“The Society of Agriculture is passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of agriculture. As the UK’s independent professional body for agricultural leadership, we are committed to raising professional standards and strengthening strategic thinking across the sector”
Through workshops, events, and networking, ECIF members gain insights into emerging technologies shaping the future of farming.
For any enquiries or if you would like to host a visit please contact [email protected]
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
