The South West AgriTech Showcase will focus on collaboration between businesses, experts and farmers being critical for the successful adoption of agri-tech.
Organisers of the event, which takes place on March 21, 2024, at Westpoint Exeter, said the agricultural sector is currently being asked to help with climate change while producing “high-quality, low-cost food to help with the cost-of-living crisis”.
The event, they said, aims to help farmers navigate these issues, as well as assist with forward planning.
Inward investment manager at Wiltshire Council, Russell Frith, said agriculture is also under pressure from cheap imports and a confusing export market.
“At the same time, innovations for the agricultural sector are being brought to market so rapidly it is hard to keep up, with some describing it as ‘the fourth agricultural revolution’,” he said.
Ticket bookings for the event will close on Tuesday, March 19, at 12:00p.m.
Agri-tech
Attendees will hear from farmers actively engaging in agri-tech, like Oliver Lee, the owner of How Now Dairy, the first carbon negative dairy.
Arable farmer turned inventor Charles Quick will also be speaking about CSEQ Technologies, which he is developing alongside the Satellite Applications Catapult to make precision technology affordable for every farmer.
“Autosteer systems have historically been extremely expensive, and out of reach to all but the largest farms,” Quick said.
“We are building an earth-shatteringly cheap autosteer system and RTK correction service, with no compromises in functionality. We will outline our plan to bring precision farming within the reach of all farmers, everywhere.”
Organisers said the showcase offers the perfect place for those across the agri-tech industry to collaborate and discuss the latest developments.
Dorset LEP chair, Cecilia Bufton, said: “This conference is crucial for our region as it serves as a platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the agricultural technology sector.
“By bringing together stakeholders, entrepreneurs and experts we aim to drive forward advancements which not only benefit our local economy but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices on a global scale.”
Hattie Winter of Somserset Council said the event also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see what agri-tech has to offer for the industry.
“The event presents the industry in real time, and those who attend will gain an understanding of working in the sector and the opportunities it has to offer,” she said.
“Agri-tech is an important and growing sector for our economy.”
The future
Looking to the future, attendees can find out what solutions could be available from the space sector in the marketplace.
Head of enterprise, inward investment and trade at West of England Combined Authority, Antony Merritt, said: “Invest Bristol and Bath will be joining forces with Space West, a regional consortium of academic and industry partners designed to accelerate growth and innovation in the space sector.
“We are enthusiastic to be presenting the showcase with solutions from the space sector, like satellite applications, environmental monitoring and data analytics.”
The West of England Combined Authority will also be on hand to highlight other innovative solutions.
Strategic director of economy and skills, Stephen Bashford, said: “This event will spotlight cutting-edge research, development, and technology in agriculture, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future.
“We need to harness our collective strengths and highlight innovative solutions from local businesses like Map Impact and MyOxygen. Together, we’re pioneering agricultural technology that’s setting the standard for the nation.”
