Agri-TechE January 2020 Newsletter
Happy New Year! This is the first update under our new name Agri-TechE and 2020 already looks as though it will be the beginning of many changes.
The Oxford Farming Conference this week will be the first opportunity to hear from spokespeople from the new Government, which makes our members only event on 13th January very timely with speakers from Defra and Innovate UK.
We are working hard to develop the agri-tech cluster and to ensure our members are poised to capture the value of being part of the network. Intangible benefits are hard to measure and this is the theme of our blog, which takes inspiration from the IT industry.
If your New Year resolution is to turn a good idea into a business then do enter the GROW agri-business plan competition and tap into the significant business development support available.
Hope to see you soon at one of our networking events.
Innovating Towards One Agriculture – Report launched!
REAP 2019 saw an exciting day of discussion and debate about ‘One Agriculture’, a cross-disciplinary approach that is good for people and the planet. An exciting tech exhibition also offered insights into the emerging agri-tech that is addressing key industry challenges.
Couldn’t join us or just fancy a recap of the day? Check out our REAP 2019 report now.
Missouri Agri-Tech Connect announces companies off to St Louis!
Seven UK agri-tech companies have been selected to join the first Missouri Agri-Tech Connect Programme, developed by Agri-TechE, the Missouri Partnership, the World Trade Centre and colleagues at the FCO. Companies will be introduced to key players in the St Louis agri-food ecosystem, located in the heart of US agricultural production.
The Programme will take place from 24th–27th February; find out more about the companies who will be taking part.
Top News and Upcoming Events
Learn, Network, Celebrate – members exclusive event
Gain an insight into future policy with Katrina Hayter, Innovate UK’s Challenge Director for Transforming Food Production, and Ben Rayner of Defra.
This is an opportunity to meet other members and discuss the direction of agri-tech innovation. Tea, cakes and a celebration of our new name.
Event: 13th January, Free for members.
Got a great business idea? GROW it with us
This is one of the best places in the world to start an agri-tech business.
So if you have a concept with commercial potential then the GROW business plan competition will connect you with the expertise, potential partners and support services to help it grow.
Sponsored by Innovate UK.
Exhibiting in 2020?
If you are planning your exhibition schedule then here are a number of opportunities to consider:
Innovation Hub at Royal Norfolk Show
Controlled Environment Agriculture – the industry is growing up
Innovation in Viticulture
New technology has identified regions where vineyards will provide a better return than traditional crops but there are considerable challenges involved.
This event will showcase the current solutions and market opportunities.
Event: 11th February
Controlled Environment Ag is growing up
Massive global investment and appetite from industry are driving interest in vertical farming and controlled environment production. Thought leaders, early adopters, technologists and producers will discuss recent developments and opportunities.
Sponsored by the John Innes Centre.
Event: 18th March
New & Returning Members and Other Events
New Members: Cranfield University | Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing
Renewing Members: Brown & Co | FOLIUM food Science | Institute for Environmental Analytics | Martin Lishman | PwC
Other Upcoming Agri-TechE Events
Calling all Young Innovators: 29th January
Members of the Young Innovators’ Forum (YIF) are invited to explore The Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge, on 29th January. The lab specialises in plant development, and facilities include controlled environment growth rooms and advanced imaging. There is also an opportunity to visit the Algal Innovation Centre. Find out more on the YIF page.
De-risking agriculture through weather-tech: 29th April
This Pollinator will explore some of the state-ot-the-art solutions to help farmers stay one step ahead of the weather, and as climate change brings ever more extreme weather events, how the supply chain can insure against and help mitigate risks. Find out more.
From farmer to pharma and beyond: 14th May
This is your opportunity to learn more about the agronomy of plants for regulated therapeutic uses, new variety development, processing solutions and needs, regulatory requirements and potential routes to market. Find out more.
Most of our events are BASIS registered; see event pages for details
In other news
New Year – New Job?
If one of your resolutions is to find a new challenge in agri-tech, then take a look at the jobs in the Opportunity Zone. If you have a vacancy and want to promote it then send us your job details and we will include it for no charge if you are a member (charge for non-members).
Where to find us this month
Oxford Real Farming Conference, 7-8th January;
AHDB SPoT East Results day, 8th January;
Constructing Excellence Annual Conference, 15th January;
AHDB Storage Day East, 21st January
Don’t miss out – sign up to our agri-tech newsletter
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