The future of food production took centre stage at a recent event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the pressing need for innovation in agriculture. The gathering underscored the urgency of adopting a balanced approach to land use and leveraging technology to optimise food production.
Baroness Minette Batters, a tenant farmer and cross-bench peer, delivered a compelling keynote address that resonated with the audience. She emphasised the critical need for a strategic plan that is ambitious and focused on the optimisation of agriculture. “We need a plan, we need to be ambitious, and we need to be absolutely focused on the optimisation of agriculture,” she stated. “We need to deliver for food and nature.”
Baroness Batters highlighted the importance of setting clear food production targets, drawing parallels with other sectors that have well-defined goals. “Targets drive everything; we have targets on defence, on housing, on net zero – we have environmental targets on taking land out of production, for clean air and water – but we still don’t have targets for food,” she pointed out. “We cannot continue with this flippant approach to food production.”
She identified three key elements that could significantly influence the future of agriculture: a land use framework, a farming road map, and a food strategy. “If all of those can come to life and be made to work, they can deliver,” she said. “There is a real need to come together and focus on what they are going to look like.”
Baroness Batters also addressed the issue of land sale, expressing concern over the countryside being sold to non-farming entities. “The countryside is up for sale; we’re selling off land to people who are not farming it and not producing food,” she noted.
The event featured a diverse range of agri-tech businesses showcasing their innovations. From controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to artificial intelligence for detecting cow lameness, the exhibitors demonstrated a strong commitment to improving crop yields, resilience, sustainability, and overall productivity. Joanna Rufus, chair of South West AgriTech, commented, “The event showcased how innovative technologies can help improve crop yields, resilience, sustainability, and overall productivity.”
A workshop session led by Satellite Applications Catapult delved into the challenges faced by agri-tech developers. The discussion focused on building better relationships with end users, addressing user challenges, overcoming barriers to adoption, and exploring support mechanisms to accelerate uptake. The session underscored the growing appetite for agri-tech and the need for continued innovation and collaboration.
The event highlighted the critical role of technology and strategic planning in shaping the future of food production. As the demand for sustainable and efficient agriculture practices grows, the insights and innovations shared at this gathering will be instrumental in driving the industry forward. The call for a balanced approach to land use, clear food production targets, and a collaborative effort among stakeholders will be pivotal in ensuring a secure and sustainable food future.
