Modern farming presents more opportunities for the latest technology than many outside the industry might realise. It is rapidly evolving into a sector that integrates AI, sensors, robotics, data analytics, and other technologies to enhance the sustainability and profitability of food production.
The Ag101 event provides a unique opportunity for researchers, technologists, and business leaders outside of agriculture to explore how their innovations can be applied in agri-tech. Hosted by Agri-TechE, a not-for-profit member organisation, the event takes place on May 22nd in Cambridge.
“Ag101 is an introduction to agriculture and horticulture for anyone new to the industry, considering tapping into this market or looking to expand their understanding,” says Laura Bouvet, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Agri-TechE. “We’ll take you through who to engage with, how decisions are made, and the intricacies of the supply chain to help attendees get the most from our dynamic industry.”
Speakers from The Government and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will present a policy and market overview. Two farmers will then share their farming experiences, including how they approach decision-making, how technology helps them solve real-world problems, and their method for developing and adopting new solutions.
Experts from high-profile farming firms and consultancies will discuss the broader agricultural ecosystem advising and supplying farmers, farming regulations and the food supply chain. This final topic will be covered by Veryan Bliss from Food Intelligence.
"I love speaking at events like Ag101 because they connect people with ideas and opportunities," she says.
"The fresh produce industry is one of the most dynamic in the world—short-life products, global supply chains, micro-margins—it’s complex, but that’s what makes it so exciting."
Dr Bouvet says many attendees benefit from networking with other professionals outside the main presentation programme, which is one of the main reasons Dr Bernhard Strauss, Director of Research at Camrosh, comes to Ag101.
“I have attended Ag101 a couple of times, and it always gives a good introduction to some of the latest technologies with good showcase examples of how they can help improve farming practices and address challenges,” explains Dr Strauss.
“It is always attended by an excellent mix of stakeholders across the agri-tech space, which gives a great opportunity for stimulating discussions and making new contacts.
“As a technology strategy consultancy, Ag101 is an event where we can check on the pulse of the industry, the latest technology trends and real-world applications in the farming and food production sectors where some of our clients are.”
Ag101 takes place at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, on May 22nd. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Agri-TechE website.
How Nano Electronic Services got started in agri-tech
With over 30 years of experience in the electronics industry offering electronic manufacturing, design capability or testing solutions, Nano Electronic Systems became an Agri-TechE member to help it expand into the agri-tech market.
“We got involved in IOT sensors and began developing our own range a couple of years ago,” says Steve Drew, Director of Nano Electronic Systems. “Agri-tech is one of our target markets.”
“Ag101 helps see what is going on in the industry, and it gives me ideas about what solutions we can apply to fix some of the problems highlighted.”
He says most companies in the industry access sensors in two ways. They either use an off-the-shelf system from the Chinese manufacturer, which rarely has all the functionality they desire, or they build something bespoke, giving them their exact needs but at a cost. Nano Electronic Solutions alternative is called Nanoblox, and it works on the proof-of-concept stage of technology development to provide the customisation required without significant upfront costs.
“Agri-tech is a good opportunity for this because the technology is still developing and every farm is different. It is difficult for a company to design a product that fits everybody.
“We joined Agri-TechE three years ago as an introduction to the industry and have attended its REAP conference and Ag101 events. Through contacts made at these, we now have two customers who are agri-tech developers. We are building server platforms and providing additional sensors for their technology.”
To help with this development work, Steve calls upon the Agri-TechE team for introductions.
“The team is excellent. If we are looking for farmers, they can introduce us to those who are more open to developing solutions.
“As an early-stage adopter, I’m very happy with what Agri-TechE has done. It gives me a good grounding in the industry and helps build connections to grow our business,” concludes Steve.
