Agri-TechE is bringing together farmers and growers with scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs to create a global innovation hub in agri-tech.They are a business-focused membership organisation, supporting the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture.The REAP 2021 virtual event is being based on “Imagining a world where agriculture is not constrained by time”Timing is crucial in agriculture, through the cycle of sowing to harvest and calving to slaughter, but also for strategic decision-making such as predicting demand for perishable goods and automation to extend the working day.The ability to manage and manipulate time is increasing. REAP 2021 will explore the many ways this is happening through advances in technology and breakthroughs in science.The adoption of innovation is getting faster. By 2030 over 80% of rural areas across the world will have connectivity, with frontier systems like LEO satellites promising faster communications.Putting the speed of fibre optic connections in the air will open up access to a new generation of agri-tech, as low latency and high-resolution near-earth observation are essential for many agri-tech applications.Additionally, knowledge of the role of circadian rhythms for controlling ripening, reproduction, response to disease and medication may create the opportunity to time-shift – enabling ‘spring’ lamb all year, offering multiple harvests, increasing the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables by weeks and mitigating the impact of climate change.What are the implications for agricultural business models and supply chains in a world without time constrictions?Farmer? Researcher? Technologist? Investor? Prepare for time travel at REAP 2021!
In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we are delighted to be joined by Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green Technology based in the USA.Over the past 20 years, Eddy’s career has encompassed entrepreneurial, corporate, and government roles. In 2019, Eddy took over as CEO of Eden Green Technology, which, through its vertical farming technology stack, is changing the way we farm our produce, and feed our communities. Since then, retailers, researchers, cities and governments have discovered how Eden Green Technology’s turnkey solutions can help them establish food safety, food independence, and sustainable farming unlike any previous AgTech solution.Outside of his leadership position at Eden Green, he is a board member at Seed Effect, a micro-lending non-profit focused on fostering economic stability. Eddy is incredibly passionate about food security and from a US perspective, we are going to dive into a conversation about:4 Ways Local Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Can Save Our Broken Food SystemHow Vertical Greenhouses Reduce Energy CostsThe Rise of AgTech: How It’s Transforming the American Farming LandscapeHow 1.5 Acres Can Change An Entire Community
In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we are delighted to be joined by Anna Hill - Presenter of Radio 4's Farming Today.Anna started her broadcasting career at BBC Radio Sussex, in Brighton, just in time for the great Hurricane of 1987. Working as a reporter and producer she covered local news and made a one-hour documentary about the making of the Sussex Landscape. She then worked at Radio Kent, and Radio Surrey before taking a sideways step into Radio 4 as a continuity announcer and Newsreader.Anna joined Farming Today as a presenter in 1994/5. Since then she's covered the twists and turns in long-running farming issues such as Bovine TB; and the devastating impact of BSE and then Foot and Mouth. Over the last 26 years Anna has talked to hundreds of farmers and politicians across the UK. She's also reported from Kosovo for Farming Today and Countryfile, been the first broadcast journalist allowed to meet the reclusive Mennonite farming community in Bolivia, and spent time with farmers in the Falklands. Anna was been a Director of the Oxford Farming Conference (2017-2020), and has chaired many conferences around the country for farming organisaton's.Since the pandemic, Anna has been working from home in Norwich, where she has built up a new relationship with her ironing board, which is now her desk!Anna is happiest when out interviewing farmers in the field, kayaking on Norfolks rivers, or hanging out the washing in the early morning under the apple trees in her garden.
Beatriz is driven by a passion for creating a delicious and resilient food future for all. She works with companies, organizations, and investors to push forward breakthrough solutions. She has travelled around the globe meeting “food heroes”: farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, transforming the way we eat. She has built food education programs to raise awareness in young generations.At KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, she oversees the strategy of the organization and manages the manages the relations with partners and global opinion leaders of the Squad. Through Ftalks Food Summit, the organization manages to bring together these voices to inspire change and create impactful synergies. The mission is to assist startups, corporations, institutions and people operating in the food system, to become futureproof through investment, partnerships, strategy, and the Fooduristic multimedia platform.She is a known industry leader with frequent publications and speaking engagements.Areas of expertise: business development, world-class industry network, partnership strategies. Speaker.Specialties: food systems transformation, innovation, alternative protein, future of retail, digitalization, resilient production, consumer trends.
On our 20on 20 Interview series...”20 minutes with inspirational people from the international food sectors”, we catch up with Annabel Makin-Jones, Founder of Annabel's Deliciously British.Annabel is a curator, innovator, and champion of exquisite produce! She has a natural gift for spotting the potential of beautiful British products and, as a third-generation Yorkshire farmer, knows how to put it to effect – Annabel’s goods are all exceptional in quality, but familiar in origin. With an irrepressible enthusiasm, she creates delicacies that celebrate and sustain the diversity of the British countryside.It was whilst she was at university she decided to grow premium strawberries with her father on their family farm in the heart of Yorkshire. Establishing a reputation for excellence, her strawberry enterprise grew rapidly to supply top restaurants and retailers with the finest UK strawberries.Over a decade later, she founded Annabel’s Deliciously British – a food brand that produces exquisite products for people who care about taste and provenance. Inspired by the astonishing diversity of the land around her, in 2019 Annabel founded a sister company, Tame and Wild, which produces fruit- and botanical-infused sparkling drinks. Using our wonky fruit, these infusions are unreservedly grown up in flavour, but refreshingly alcohol-free. Today, Annabel’s Deliciously British is one of the best-selling brands in Booths, the chain of high-end supermarkets in the north of England, and supplies Ocado, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, as well as a growing list of premium food and beverage retailers and restaurants.
On our 20on 20 Interview series…”20 minutes with inspirational people from the international food sectors”, we catch up with the brilliant Lori Taylor from the USA! And many thanks to the great team at United Fresh Produce Association for the introduction to her.Lori is the creator behind the amazing “The Produce Moms”.The Produce Moms® is a widely recognized consumer brand in the States that is devoted to the sales and consumption of fresh produce. Led by Lori, they are a community of passionate fresh produce advocates with a mission to inspire everyone, especially children, to eat more fruits and vegetables. Their purpose is to make sure that all moms know that fresh produce is SAFE and HEALTHY. THE PRODUCE MOMS educates consumers about fresh produce, introduces them to produce brands, engages the produce industry with consumers in inspiring conversations, and promotes public policy to protect and increase the availability of fresh produce at American schools. They are a purpose-driven brand with values that support the journey from seed to smile. They are a human, genuine, real community of moms.Lori herself has made more than 220 Live TV appearances to extend their company’s mission. They have been featured on Oprah.com, MarthaStewart.com, RealSimple Magazine, Thrillist, and The Huffington Post. Last year she made her National television debut on the Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family PARTNERSHIPS. They work alongside fresh produce brands to develop a custom marketing campaign including custom digital content (infographic, blog, video, podcast), traditional media, email marketing, and cross-posting advocacy. They fully recognise that educators are short on time. That’s why the company created turnkey solution for educators to be a part of national programming such as the Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom. Lori interviews industry leaders on their weekly podcast, highlighting relevant topics such as food safety and storage, farming, and food education. Podcast currently has over 80 episodes.Lori is really keen to for her and The Produce Moms to extend their reach internationally and to collaborate with us all.
In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we are delighted to be joined by Chris Veillon – Chief Marketing Officer of Pure Hothouse Foods Inc & Pure Flavor®, all the way from Canada! Chris is a fascinating individual and was kindly introduced to us by the team from United Fresh in the USA to talk to. He is bilingual, a Global Marketing Leader with more than two decades of international experience developing awarding winning brands through strategic leadership. A thought inspirer, brand disruptor, and a conversation creator who can’t sit still. Digitally savvy, socially engaged, and an active member of a variety of international committees focusing on marketing communications. As we will find out he enthusiastically seeks out and creates relationships with likeminded partners to create impactful engagement opportunities. Passionate about navigating to smooth water to differentiate, no matter the topic or application. And always promoting the need to #BeRevolutionary!
In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we look to catch up with the industry powerhouse that is Richard Diplock! Richard is a highly experienced Director with a proven track record of working both on the retail side and on the supplier side with experience at dealing with all the major supermarkets at all levels. He has extensive experience gained on the procurement of wide range of produce from both Europe and the world , with particular emphasis on salads and vegetables. He has recently led the rebranding of the Eric Wall business to that of The Green House Sussex Ltd allowing them to continue to be a key UK grower of the highest quality tomatoes.
Everyone knows Dan! Always one to watch in respect of his fast progression in the sector, he has been with the G’s Group for over 20 years and latterly as Managing Director for their UK operation. In 2017 he moved to the G’s Love Beets business in the United States to lead the brand from the US as it entered a new stage of growth following recent investments in facilities and US production capacity. In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we catch up with Dan to hear his views on the differences of fresh produce Stateside and how he and his team have created a highly successful and innovate fresh produce brand with a difference in the states. It is a fascinating conversation as Dan gives us his view of the differences of fresh produce production and marketing in the States compared to the UK.
Agri-TechE is bringing together farmers and growers with scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs to create a global innovation hub in agri-tech. They are a business focused membership organisation, supporting the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture. Together they aim to help turn challenges into business opportunities and facilitate mutually beneficial collaboration. We catch up with Belinda Clarke – Director at Agri-TechE to hear what they have planned for early 2021 that will be of interest to you. If you are keen to be updated and to change business practices in the positive face of new Ag-tech coming in at a frightening pace, you need to listen in! Included in the conversation, Belinda highlight a key event they are running on Tues 19th Jan at 2pm titled as “Agri-Tech Explore: Keeping It Clean with Agri-Tech Innovation”. Preventing and removing sources of infection and contamination has been front of everyone’s mind recently. Yet this has been top of the agenda in the agri-food supply chain for years, and recent innovations have brought it into sharp focus as we are all more mindful of managing harmful microbes. New innovations are emerging, harnessing different approaches, novel solutions and even different states of matter to help manage potential contamination. This is your opportunity to find out more about some possible new solutions to managing bacterial burdens, virus threats and fungal challenges. https://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/event/keeping-it-clean-with-agri-tech-innovation/ (CLICK HERE) to register for that event in advance with Agri-TechE. To view Agri-TechE and to join them, please visit their website – http://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/ (www.agri-tech-e.co.uk)
In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we look to catch up with the industry leader that is James Lipscombe. James is the CEO of The Chesterford Group of Companies who operate the largest chain of fish and chip shops and restaurants in the UK and employ in excess of 600 people. The brands the Chesterford Group currently operates are fishnchickn, Bankers & Churchill’s. The Group was named as one of the 1000 companies to inspire Britain last year by the London Stock Exchange due to its fast growth and was praised for its dynamic leadership. James is a young entrepreneur with a proven track record of opening and buying businesses and increasing both the turnover and profitability and creating businesses with family cultures where people can thrive. He is a proponent of the triple bottom line, People, Profit, Planet. We hear about his Groups fascinating transformation during the intensive 2020 and what may hopefully be a brighter 2021. This is a story you need to hear.
In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we talk to the inspiring Andrew Wallis. Andrew is CEO of Unseen, a UK-wide charity that believes that modern slavery can and must be eradicated. As well as running the Modern Slavery Helpline, Unseen runs services for survivors of human trafficking, and works with the police, health workers, government, businesses and others to help prevent modern slavery. Andrew chaired the landmark Centre for Social Justice report ‘It Happens Here’, widely acknowledged as the catalyst for the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015, which he also advised on the development of. He was awarded an OBE that year. The job has presented him with challenges as diverse as building flat-pack furniture for Unseen’s first safe house, to advising global businesses on how to address slavery in supply chains. He has been described in many circles as ‘the loveliest disrupter you could hope to meet!’ We hear his frankly startling views of how modern-day slavery operates and how it may just be combated in the likes of the international world of fresh foods with all of our direct involvement. To see this inspiring conversation with Andrew, just click on the picture below. And to find out more on how you and your business can benefit by being aligned to the Unseen UK, view their website – http://www.unseenuk.org/ (www.unseenuk.org) Filmed late Dec 2020. Host – Max MacGillivray – Editor in Chief of Beanstalk
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the September episode of Talking Leaders, we are delighted to be joined by the new AHDB Chair: Emily Norton. Emily is a Norfolk farmer, Nuffield scholar and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector.She has 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector. After qualifing as a lawyer, Emily undertook an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. Her career has taken her from family business to global PLC, with time spent in Brussels and across the UK. Emily has particular expertise in natural capital influences on land, food and farming.Emily holds various non-executive board positions in the agricultural sector including chair of AHDB and a trustee at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. She is a well known media commentator and lives and farms in Norfolk.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the August episode of Talking Leaders, we sit down with Ingo and Nina Plöger – two of Brazil’s foremost leaders in agribusiness and global development. Ingo is an entrepreneur, engineer, and economist, and serves as President of the Strategic Council for Latin America and Vice President of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG). Nina PlögerNina is a key influencer in shaping Brazil’s sustainable agricultural sector. She leads women in Agriculture by Forbes Brasil and other institutions. Nina is active in the board of the Brazilian Association of Agribusiness (ABAG) and a leading figure in shaping Brazil’s sustainable agricultural sector. With a background in international relations and public policy, she drives innovation, trade, and environmental responsibility. Nina also contributes to Forbes Brasil, focusing on agribusiness trends, leadership, and the future of food.As President of Forbes Women in Agriculture, she empowers women in agribusiness, promoting gender equality and leadership. She advocates for bio-competitiveness, strengthening Brazil’s global market position through sustainable practices. Nina’s expertise in international relations plays a key role in advancing Brazil’s agricultural interests in global trade and partnerships. She is also Council in the FIESP COSAG the industrial association of Sao Paulo. In the CEAL Nina coordinate actions for the integration of Latin America under the umbrella of “America without frontiers”Ingo PlögerIngo is a Brazilian entrepreneur, engineer, and economist, and President of the Strategic Council for Latin America advising governments and multinational companies on competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.As Vice President of ABAG Agribusiness Association he leads initiatives focused on strategic business growth, institutional relations, and sustainable development within various sectors.A recognised international speaker, Ingo brings decades of strategic insight into the future of agrifood systems, global trade, and the geopolitical forces shaping business and policy today.Ingo shares lessons from a lifetime of leadership across continents, offering insights on innovation, resilience, and navigating uncertainty in a fast-changing world, while encouraging imagination and visionary thinking. Nina brings her extensive experience in international relations and agri-food systems, discussing the importance of promoting gender equality, bio-competitiveness, and advancing Brazil’s position in global agribusiness.This episode dives into leadership, vision, and the power of local actions in a globalised world, demonstrating how leaders like Ingo and Nina inspire change and foster long-term growth.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the July episode of Talking Leaders we were joined by Melanie Siggs, Director of Strategic Engagements at the Global Seafood Alliance for a conversation on the synergies between blue food systems, agriculture and forestry, and how they must work together to drive responsible food production.Melanie holds a number of positions allowing her to work globally across policy, private sector, science and academia. Strategic Engagement Director, Global Seafood Alliance, Chair of Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability, a non-Executive Director of CEFAS (UK HMG Marine Science Agency), Ambassador to the Iceland Ocean Cluster and Honorary Professor at Heriot Watt University.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community. In the May episode of Talking Leaders we were joined by Ben Hirst – founder of Horizon Platforms and a leader who has built his success on lifting others up, quite literally. From starting a national equipment rental business in 2008, Ben scaled Horizon into a respected industry player, before pioneering an employee ownership model that puts people at the heart of performance and long-term value.Ben’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving record revenues and operational excellence while maintaining a people-first culture. His ethos of building the business for his grandchildren resonates deeply with many family-owned, farming businesses.Now with a portfolio of Chair and Non-Exec roles, Ben shares what it takes to transition from founder-led to employee-led – covering everything from governance and culture to legacy and motivation.Open, thoughtful, and values-driven, Ben’s story is full of insight for anyone thinking about succession, scale, or how to keep people at the centre of a growing enterprise.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In April's episode of Talking Leaders we met Russ McKenzie; a dynamic force in modern farming.Managing a arable business on the Cambridgeshire / Northamptonshire border, Russ is not just a farmer but a trailblazer in agronomy trials and independent consultancy. As a member of the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council and a 2014 Nuffield Farming Scholar, Russ's journey is a testament to innovation and resilience.Discover how his passion, influenced by key mentors and personal experiences, drives him to push the boundaries of agricultural excellence. Get inspired by his story of dedication, from overcoming early career doubts to achieving significant milestones in farming.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In this episode of Talking Leaders we delved into the inspiring journey of Catherine Marriott OAM, a trailblazer in agriculture, leadership, and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience across executive roles, governance, and consultancy, Catherine has a unique ability to bridge the worlds of practical farming, science and global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy.We explored her insights on the evolving sustainability landscape, the critical role of leadership in agriculture, and her experience with Australian- and global farmers to navigate emerging market and environmental expectations. Catherine has worked as an executive, a non-executive director and consulting roles in the agricultural, research and regional development sectors in Australia and internationally. During this time, she has become a proven business leader, communicator and organisational renovator, focused mostly on leadership development, advocacy and delivering innovative solutions for the industries in which she works.Catherine is currently completing her Nuffield Scholarship with a focus on the impact and influence of global ESG policy on Australian farmers. Understanding the changing ESG and sustainability landscape globally is paramount to ensuring farmers are prepared for changing market options and both public and private sector expectations.She uses her Rural Science degree to understand the technical aspects of agriculture, while her experience in business, leadership deveopment and governance helps maximise efficiency and outcomes for the organisations for whom she works. Catherine has worked as a beef industry consultant, an entrepreneur, a farmer member based, organisational CEO and has sat on several NFP and public sector boards both in Australia and Internationally.She received a 2022 Queens Birthday Honors, Order of Australia Medal for contribution to agriculture and rural communities, is UNE’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and was the 2012 WA Rural Women of the Year.Hear how Catherine’s bold thinking, global perspective, and passion for empowering others continue to shape the future of agriculture and rural communities worldwide. It's a great listen!
In the February edition of AHDB Talking Leaders, we were delighted to be joined by Colin Crooks MBE.Colin is a serial social entrepreneur with a track record of establishing impactful and sustainable social enterprises. Currently he is launching BirdRun©, a novel competition designed to increase interest in wildlife and raise funding for environmental protection. Previously he ran Tree Shepherd which over 10 years supported hundreds of people from low-income backgrounds to start their own business. Before that he founded and operated 5 innovative recycling businesses. One of these, Green-Works was awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise; Sustainable Development.In 2012 he used his experience of employing more than 1,000 hard to employ people to write ‘How to Make a Million Jobs, a charter for social enterprise’. Colin was awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours list for services to disadvantaged people and the environment. As a qualified, accredited coach and experienced facilitator/chair of meetings in community and business settings he also runs Intentionality, which works to create and/or support social enterprises to grow and increase their impact.
We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the January edition of AHDB Talking Leaders, we were excited to explore the topic of “Mental Fitness” with Sheena Horner, delving into how to Push Limits while Finding Balance.Sheena diversified into chilli farming and through that business she developed a growing network of food and drink businesses throughout Scotland. It is through the chilli growing business that Sheena developed a growing network of food and drink businesses throughout Scotland. She is a firm believer in collaboration and helping one another which led her to setting up Food from Farming, a second business to enable her to do this.She believes strongly in the locality and seasonality of food and drink, which is founded from her farming background and passion for sustainability and the benefits this brings to local and rural economies. These skills are currently being used in her role as the regional food and drink coordinator in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Manager of the Farming Community Network.In the summer of 2020 Sheena founded #Run1000, a fundraising event held throughout January highlighting the positive effects that both running and walking have on your mental as well as physical health while raising funds for rural mental health charities. She continues to run and enter events regularly, pushing herself out of her comfort zone and challenging herself.She is a director of the Oxford Farming Conference, the vice-chair of The Crichton Trust board, a trustee of The Solway Firth Partnership, a graduate of the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme and a member of the Dumfries and Galloway Local Employability and Skills Partnership.Sheena shared insights on how to effectively navigate the New Year, with a particular focus on “Blue Monday” — the third Monday in January, often considered the most depressing day of the year and linked to the January Blues. She explored Mental Fitness, offering strategies to push limits while maintaining balance during this challenging month.