Farmer-centric innovation
It is often argued there’s a need to engage farmers more actively in the agricultural R&D process. This year’s event sees emphasis on solutions that directly benefit farmers and practical adoption on the ground. It includes a Dragons’ Den styled start-up showcase with the farmers is in the judges’ seats. Discussions will also explore how can universities, corporates, and farmers can collaborate more effectively to scale scientific innovation, and what partnerships are crucial for success?
Retailers and food brands are acknowledging the role of agtech
It’s also often argued that more retailers and food brands needed in the agtech industry to improve distribution, expand market reach, and ensure that innovative products effectively reach farmers and end consumers. September’s event proves agtech is no longer viewed as a peripheral innovation but as a central driver of transformation for retailers and food brands, enabling them to meet regulatory demands, improve efficiency, and respond to evolving consumer values. The likes of Mars, McCain, Arla, Muller, Invivo, are seeing the value in getting involved at this year’s summit. Morrison’s and Co-Op are also on board to speak to their supply chain activities and work with farmers.
AI solutions across the value chain
AI is now the linchpin of modern agtech, driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience across every aspect of agriculture—from field operations to strategic planning and research.
This year’s summit sees a big push on showcasing AI solutions across the value chain. Quercus Bio will discuss how it used a medical platform and GenAi to create new crop protection; Helios Ai will examine climate/supply chain risk and Heritable Ag will talk about seed breeding. AGCO and Müller will also address how they are actively developing solutions to advance smart decision making and data interoperability in agriculture, recognising these as critical enablers for the next generation of digital farming.
World Agri-Tech London returns, Sept. 22-23
Meet senior leaders from the European Commission, Arla and Mars Food – among the first confirmed speakers – alongside 800+ of the most active investors, innovators, and industry collaborators shaping the future of the European agri-food system. Learn more about the event and register today by visiting the event website here.
What investment models are the best fit for agtech?
With investment models for agtech are under scrutiny, the summit will explore new ways to mobilise capital for sustained sector growth. Expect private equity, family offices and strategic partners to talk about investing in agri-food.
Specialty sessions
The future of wine is being shaped by a combination of cutting-edge technology and human expertise, even in the UK where English making significant strides in both sparkling and still wines. Expect big names from the winemaking to discuss how AI and automation is enabling efficiency and new forms of personalisation and quality control in the sector.
Also look out for big coffee names expected to detail how they hope to climate proof the supply chain via regenerative and precision agriculture.
Banks and agtech are showing traction
Banks are playing an increasingly significant role in agtech by providing specialised financial products, investment, and advisory services tailored to the needs of the agricultural sector, with a strong focus on supporting innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of new technologies. One panel at the summit, featuring speakers from McCain Foods and Co-op, will investigate what co-financing models between retailers, food brands, banks and technology providers are supporting the effective roll out of regenerative tools and incentives to growers, considering the time required to observe results from this transition and ask what lessons can be drawn from successful partnerships.
