Farmers will be challenged to decide when new technology is good enough to justify investment at this year’s REAP Conference in Peterborough.
The Agri-TechE flagship event will focus on turning innovation into commercially viable technology – and its relevance for growers, livestock producers, other businesses and investors.
With research budgets under pressure and farm margins squeezed, speakers will examine how much evidence farmers need before committing money or changing established practices.
Now in its 13th year, REAP takes place on 4 November the KingsGate Conference Centre. Its theme, “From Promise to Practice: What’s Good Enough?”, reflects growing pressure to demonstrate that innovations are scalable and cost-effective.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Anjali Goswami, Defra’s chief scientific adviser and director general for science, data and analysis.
Farm evidence
A farmer panel will examine how growers assess and build trust in technology before introducing it into their businesses.
Speakers include Marion Regan, chief executive of Hugh Lowe Farms; Jack Smith, farms technical director at Waldersey Farms; and Kathryn Wright, co-owner and director of Wright Farm Produce.
Research sessions will pair farmers with scientists to examine how work from UK research institutes translates into practical improvements on farms.
The conference will also examine how supply chains can encourage technology adoption without leaving farmers carrying a disproportionate share of the cost and risk.
Professor Cristóbal Uauy, director of the John Innes Centre, will join David Coop, managing director of Elsoms Seeds, and Matvii Smirnov, innovation director at AMFRESH, for the supply-chain discussion.
Seven emerging technology businesses will meanwhile be unveiled in REAP’s Start-Up Showcase, while an exhibition will give delegates the opportunity to assess new technologies directly.
Farmer and full-time agricultural student bursaries reduce tickets to £80 plus VAT. Standard non-member tickets cost £300 + VAT until 16 October, rising to £325 afterwards. For full details, visit www.agri-tech-e.co.uk