Connections Week 2025: Challenge Convention
Thinking about the future, at the REAP Conference 2015
With an opening address from George Freeman MP, join industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders for an engaging and insightful event focused on the future of UK agri-tech.
We invite you to map out your (realistic!) ambitions for the future of agri-tech and to identify actionable steps for meaningful change.
Has agri-tech delivered on its promise? A decade of investment, strategies, and breakthroughs - farmers, innovators, and investors still face roadblocks. What needs to change to ensure agri-tech works better for everyone?
In November 2024, through our Back to the Future (BTTF) project, the Agri-TechE community called for a fresh approach to agricultural innovation. We highlighted the need for clear targets, a joined-up policy framework, and a stronger link between research, technology, and on-farm productivity.
Today, we're pleased to see the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science & Technology in Agriculture (APPG Ag Science) answering this call in their newly released Innovation Agenda for UK Agriculture.
We've invited George Freeman MP, Chair of the APPG and a long-time champion of UK agri-tech, to open our discussion. George will set the stage for a frank conversation on the future of the sector.
We know agri-tech has the potential to transform productivity, sustainability, and food security. But are we getting it right?
The rules of the game have changed. It's time for a reset.
This is where we challenge convention. We'll focus on actionable discussions with the people who can drive change - farmers, tech developers, investors, researchers, and policymakers - to answer the tough questions:
- Farmers & Growers: Are you seeing the benefits of agri-tech on your farm? If not, what needs to change?
- Tech Developers & Investors: What’s blocking scale-up? Are regulations and funding structures fit for purpose?
- Researchers & Policymakers: What should shape the next phase of agri-tech innovation and investment? Where do I need to pitch my grant application to capture the zeitgeist of the future?
Be in the room. Have your say. Influence what happens next.
As an event outcome Agri-TechE will produce a set of recommendations for “what next” for a reset on agri-tech.
You can see the full programme of activities for Connections Week 2025 in our dedicated post.
Cost
This event free for Agri-TechE members and £75 +VAT for non-members.
Members need to login or register for an account to register.
Learn more about the benefits of Agri-TechE membership.
Agenda
As the target users of agri-tech solutions, how are farmers and agronomists feeling about the impact of agri-tech on their businesses?
Do innovators feel their solutions are getting into the hands of the target end-users as effectively as they hoped?
- What will success look like from the different perspective?
- Who needs to do what - realistically? Is anything missing currently?
- What can we / you do about it?!