UK Trade and Investment: Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit/Farm Tour in Peterborough - After Summit Report
The Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit/Farm Tour in Peterborough, organized by Cater and Merger Consult Limited, concluded successfully on Friday, 24th May 2024. Held over four days in Peterborough City, UK, this significant event brought together over 65 participants, including industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors from seven countries (UK, Germany, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria, and Ghana) to explore the latest advancements in agribusiness and AgriTech, foster collaborations, and discuss sustainable practices. This gathering was a melting pot of ideas and innovations, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and on-site farm tours, providing comprehensive insights into the industry's current state and future directions in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.
The summit commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by The Worshipful Mayor of the City of Peterborough, Clir. Marcos Cereste. The Mayor narrated the historical significance of Peterborough, emphasizing its deep-rooted links to the Romans and Italy, its rich farming heritage, and the critical importance of innovation in agriculture for economic growth and sustainability. He extended a warm invitation to attendees to visit the city's historic cathedral and other notable sites, underscoring the cultural richness and the community's longstanding dedication to advancing agricultural practices.
A keynote address on agribusiness opportunities was delivered by His Excellency, Amb. Dr. Morie Manyah, the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom. His Excellency highlighted the vast agricultural potential of Sierra Leone, elaborating on the critical role technology plays in transforming traditional farming practices into more efficient and sustainable methods. Dr. Manyah's address underscored the significance of international collaboration and technological advancements to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in Africa, thus setting a forward-looking tone for the summit.
Complementing this, Dr. Ikechi Agbugba, an Associate Professor of Agri-economics at the University of Birmingham, provided an in-depth presentation on the importance of precision agriculture, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing sustainable farming practices. Dr. Agbugba illustrated with numerous examples how these technologies are currently being utilized to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and significantly improve crop yields, thereby highlighting the transformative potential of AgriTech. Dr. Adeola Fasubaa, the DG Ekiti State Diaspora Relations, gave a brief presentation on agricultural development and opportunities in the state, including the need to empower young farmers and women through international funding, grants, and investment. Dr. Condt. Alistair Soyode, representing the MD of NAMEL Nig Ltd., spoke about the transformation of agriculture through innovative mechanization, as the company is currently investing and partnering with some states in Nigeria. There were other brief presentations by Engr. Patrick Obidoyni of Lancaster Farms UK, Mr. Phil Gaffney of Ecostim UK, Mr. Tom Martins of Toons Farms, and many others.
Several panel discussions formed a crucial part of the summit, featuring rich insights from leading tech firms, agricultural businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. These discussions delved deeply into various aspects of the agribusiness and AgriTech sectors, such as the future of AgriTech, investment opportunities in agribusiness, and the regulatory landscape affecting the sector. The panels were moderated by notable figures like Mr. David Smith, Chairman of the British African Business Alliance, and Engr. Nweike Onwuyali, CEO of Ziphii Technology UK. These panels explored emerging technologies, financial aspects, and regulatory frameworks necessary to support innovation while ensuring environmental sustainability and food safety.
The summit brought together over 65 delegates from seven countries, representing a wide array of expertise in agribusiness and AgriTech. The primary objectives of the summit were to foster collaboration, share innovations, and discuss strategies to enhance trade and investment in the agribusiness sector. Discussions emphasized the need for sustainable farming practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Participants highlighted successful models and technologies that promote resource-efficient and climate-resilient agriculture. Mr. Izak Van Heerden of Nuffield Farming Scholars emphasized the importance of people and orientation, while Dr. Akinwumi Okoro, an organic agriculture expert, spoke about policy development and implementations. Dr. Ikechi Agbugba presented on human development and capacity building through the “Brain Re Engineering Concept," and Mr. David Smith emphasized the potentials of trade and investment, the diaspora economy, and connectivity.
26 November 2018
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