“It's time to explore how we can elevate UK agri-tech to the next level,” says Dr Belinda Clarke, director of Agri-TechE, ahead of Agri-TechE’s Challenge Convention event at NIAB, Cambridge on March 4th.
Despite a vibrant ecosystem, fed by world-class research and a forward-thinking farming industry, UK agri-tech still has untapped potential. Persistent challenges remain in scaling exciting technology for widespread on-farm adoption and commercial success.
“We want to find ways to build investor confidence, or devise new, creative ways of financing the innovation pipeline. That could also include things like public-private partnerships and a longer-term commitment to research programmes,” says Dr Clarke.
George Freeman MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science & Technology in Agriculture (APPG Ag Science) and a long-time champion of agri-tech, will provide the opening address for Challenging Convention.
In November 2024, through the Back to the Future project, the Agri-TechE community called for a fresh approach to the UK’s strategy for agri-tech. They highlighted the need for clear targets, a joined-up policy framework, and a stronger link between research, technology, and on-farm productivity.
“Building on the findings from our Back to the Future project, our Challenge Convention event aims to bring together the expertise across the agri-tech community to literally ‘challenge the existing convention’ and agree on what needs fixing, changing, or delivering to unlock the untapped potential for UK agri-tech.
“We hope a discussion across the ecosystem will help identify what we need to do to be the preeminent location for agri-tech development,” continues Dr Clarke.
To do this, Challenge Convention will divide the industry into three dedicated sessions: farmers, researchers and tech developers, and investment and policy. Each segment will delve deeper into the particular areas where more can be achieved, aiming to provide a rounded view of how to move UK agri-tech forward.
“I am excited to see the outcomes. I hope it gives us a consensus of ambition that the industry can work towards fulfilling,” concludes Dr Clarke.
Challenge Convention will be held at NIAB Park Farm, Cambridge, on March 4th and is open to anyone interested in agri-tech research, development, adoption, and policy. To find out more and book a ticket, visit the Agri-TechE website.
