As the world struggles with higher food demand, increasing climate change-related drought, and decreasing arable land, smart farming is growing.
According to the World Bank, in 2021, 38.64% of New Zealand’s land use was for agricultural purposes. This sector is responsible for 48% of the country's gross greenhouse emissions, mainly from animal product production. Is there a way for the ag industry to farm this vast amount of land in a smarter way?
Globally, agriculture is shifting towards sustainability, driven by increased consumer awareness of environmental impact and preferences for sustainable food, along with regulatory initiatives like the European Union's Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy. Although some product categories in the European agriculture market may experience a decline in demand due to these regulations, the overall market remains attractive, especially for companies investing in innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices. The key transformation involves a shift from product-centric to solution-centred business models. Europe's commitment to sustainable agriculture, reflected in initiatives like the European Green Deal and F2F policy, is expected to have a global impact. Despite concerns about productivity declines and negative economic outcomes, the analysis suggests that innovation in agriculture technology and practices may mitigate these issues. Stakeholders are urged to adapt their value propositions to align with growing consumer demands for sustainability.
Viewing new requirements as opportunities for agricultural suppliers, particularly in swiftly adjusting business models, is crucial. Success for agricultural-input manufacturers lies in shifting focus to solutions that align with environmental consciousness, such as digital tools, innovative seed technologies, biological products, and new formulations of conventional products. Compliance with F2F targets is essential, and the transformation of the European agriculture industry is inevitable.
Join us for the second Innovation Series event this year where we are exploring the global megatrends set to hit New Zealand in 2024. The shift to smart farming is an extensive conversation with so much space for innovation to shape the sector. Be part of the conversation and maybe even the solution!
Timings:
9.00am : Welcome & introduction from B.linc
9.10am : Keynote address 1 - Roger Robson-Williams, Plant & Food Research
9.30am : Keynote address 2 - Brendan O’Connell, Agritech NZ
9.50am : Keynote address 3 - Andrew Darling, Adar Farming
10.10am : Panel discussion/Interactive Q&A session with audience
10.30am : Event finishes
Our Speakers
Dr Roger Robson-Williams
Chief Sustainability Officer, Plant & Food Research
I'm responsible for leading our sustainability agenda, which aims to position Plant & Food Research as a global leader in the journey towards a smart, green future together. I'm an Accredited Future-Fit Advisor and a Certified Integrated Reporting Practitioner. I moved to New Zealand in 2012 to join the Foundation for Arable Research as Director of Research Development. While there, I developed a keen interest in sustainability issues and particularly in the impacts of primary production on the environment. Prior to that, I held a number of senior science management positions in the UK's arable and horticultural sectors.
Brendan O’Connell
CEO, AgritechNZ
I’ve worked in several technology sectors and really identify with the potential and purpose found in Agritech. There’s no room for hype in agriculture and plenty of need for innovation.
After graduating from uni with a degree in mechanical engineering, I took a design job in a bio-medical company in Ireland and then with Nokia in Sydney. On a training course in Christchurch, I met a Hawkes Bay girl and I fell for her and Aotearoa, NZ. Twenty years later I’m still here.
I’ve worked on product innovation in different industries including bio-medical, telecom, marine/consumer electronics and agritech. At Tru-Test I was promoted from R&D Mgr to Head of Business Development where my role was to identify and plan for acquisitions. I was great at creating the vision and coming up with strategies to scale Tru-Test, and I wanted get involved with more businesses.
Working with people and products is my sweet spot. I’ve led product development teams in NZ, Australia, the UK, Europe and the US. In my role with Enterprise Ireland, I help Irish companies looking to set up shop in New Zealand. I open doors, connect businesses with the right people, and provide them with context and insights to identify opportunities they might not have considered themselves.
Andrew Darling
Managing Director, Adar Farming
Andrew and his wife Amy operate their family coastal arable farm on the outskirts of Timaru. Growing a mix of wheat, barley, oil seed rape, ryegrass and sunflowers. Producing profitable high yielding crops whilst looking after the soil and the environment are key drivers for Andrew and Amy. They integrate technology into all of their nutrient placement to ensure the best plant uptake and utilisation, also capturing data to map what is being removed in the crop at harvest time.
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