Covid-19 has brought a renewed focus on our food security. It has been a stark reminder of the threats to a food system that is globally interconnected and incredibly complex. The agrifood sector is exposed to a wide range of stressors, including climate change and soil degradation, population growth, economic & political disruption, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The resilience of every aspect of the agrifood value chain is being tested.

Innovation for Food Resilience is a free, half-day virtual conference that brings together thought-leaders including Microsoft, Chatham House and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) for England and Wales, alongside the four UK Agri-Tech Centres – Agri-EPI, Agrimetrics, CHAP (Crop Health and Protection) and CIEL (Centre Innovation Excellence in Livestock) – to discuss the role of innovation and technology in increasing food resilience. Broadcaster Charlotte Smith, perhaps best known for her work on BBC Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today, is guest compere.

Who should attend

Anyone involved in the agrifood supply and value chain, and extending to policy, research and NGOs.

This free online event will be of likely interest and relevance to those working in food production and supply, R&D, innovation, technology, data, sustainability, CSR and related functions across the agrifood value chain.

Why attend ‘Innovation for Food Resilience’

• Learn more about emerging technologies that could drive innovation within your business
• Gain a fresh perspective and new insight to help prepare, withstand and adapt to shifting market demands
• A valuable chance to step back, reflect and focus on key challenges and opportunities for futureproofing your business and wider supply chain
• Be inspired by, and put your questions to, some of the leading and most influential thought-leaders in their respective fields of expertise.

Agenda

All times in GMT

13:00 Welcome and introduction by host, Charlotte Smith

13:10 Professor Tim Benton, Research Director at Chatham House

13:35 Minette Batters, President at NFU

14:00 Ellen Wilson, Sustainability & Smart Cities Lead at Microsoft UK

14:25 Break | Four UK Agri-Tech Centres Themed Presentations

14:40 Climate and Net Zero

15:00 Sustainable Productivity

15:20 Crop and Livestock Health

15:40 Food Provenance and Quality

16:00 Break

16:10 Q&A and Panel Discussion

16:45 Closing Remarks

17:00 Conference Close