We explore how agri-tech enablers can help deliver environmental benefits alongside sustainable food production and the achievement of industry net zero targets. Farmers and advisors share learning points from trials and technologist and researchers discuss promising tools and techniques for supporting the transition to ELMs.
“Farmers urgently need a better understanding of how their operations will be expected to decarbonise by supply chains and banks, what carbon assets may be available to sell as an alternative source of revenue,” says Emily Norton, Head of Rural Research at Savills. Agr-TechE has launched a discussion document that captures 8 enablers identified by farmers as crucial to adoption of carbon management approaches.
A number of technologies to help avoid or reduce carbon emissions are in development at the Eastern Agri-Tech Innovation Hub, and these were featured in the #ATW21 event hosted by NIAB. From Inspro’s automated bioconverter system using black soldier flies and food waste, to Cambond’s valorisation of low grade carbon materials (such as brewers’ spent grain, straw, hemp fibres and paper waste sludge) for the construction industry, and the hydroponic vertical farming system funded through the Interreg Hy4Dense project.