Innovation is critical to UK food security and this year's South West AgriTech Showcase will focus on how key stakeholders are rising to the challenge.  

Returning to Westpoint Arena in Exeter, Devon, on Thursday 20 March 2025, the event will address the need for continued development and commercialisation of new innovations which will help cement UK food security.

"For many years our nation's food security has not been deemed to be politically important," says Baroness Minette Batters, who will open the day with a keynote address. "In today's world of ever more extreme weather, a rise in global conflicts, and the need to produce more food for a growing global population, it's clear that the UK needs to radically change its approach to national food security.

"Put simply, we need to produce more food on less land with less impact. And while strong advocacy is a must for political influence, food producers must have access to the technology and knowledge that enables them," she adds.

"Profitable food production and environmental stewardship must be treated as two sides of the same coin."

The South West AgriTech Showcase will feature the latest innovations, with the agenda promising high-profile speakers, the latest research, and an indoor marketplace dedicated to networking.

Optimising natural and capital resources is a pressing need, and the day's first session will explore Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Led by event sponsor, the University of Plymouth, it will provide an interesting insight to alternative growing methodology. "CEA is a technology-based method of indoor and outdoor food production," says Yve Metcalfe-Tyrrell, project director at the University of Plymouth.

"Hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture, and aquaponics are all CEA technologies. It can offer several benefits over traditional growing methods - like increased yield, improved nutritional value, reduced water usage, and an extended growing season.

"The session will explore both the opportunities and the challenges for CEA, focusing on how it can add value to the food supply chain."

Addressing the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, event sponsor, the UK Agri-Tech Centre, will lead a session on its One Health programme. "One Health focuses on developing symbiotic solutions that tackle critical issues affecting farming systems, ecosystems and people," says Wendy Hewitson, external engagement manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre.

"It includes new ways to test animal health and enhance food safety. It's about finding ways to build healthier systems through collaboration, research and innovation, especially in areas like disease prevention and food security."

With the launch of the latest Environmental Space Living Lab at Bicton College, and with a Bridgewater and Taunton site to follow, event sponsor the Satellite Applications Catapult is continuing its focus on agri-tech innovation in the South West.

And recognising the opportunities for space-enabled technologies to address key challenges in the sector, it will run a workshop session with a series of roundtables to stimulate discussion between different groups at the event. "Space technology makes up a fundamental part of the services we rely on in our daily life," says Joel Freedman, head of innovation services at the Satellite Applications Catapult.

"As the capabilities increase, with better positioning, connectivity, and remote sensing detail, so does its potential to help us manage our land and food systems more sustainably. To bridge the gap between technical capabilities and real-world challenges, it's essential that we support the dialogue between end users and service providers."

The showcase will once again hold its popular 60-second marketplace pitches; showcasing some of the sector's most innovative solutions to market.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Great South West partnership's positioning paper 'Delivering Future Food Security' and its message to Government.

"The South West is well positioned to deliver food security and the paper is evidence of the value, progression and potential of the region's agri-food sector," says Joanna Rufus, chair of South West AgriTech. "Technology and innovation will enable land managers to become more efficient, productive, and profitable while improving resilience, sustainability and their ability to protect and enhance the environment.

"Ultimately, the Showcase aims to advance agri-tech, its commercialisation and adoption, and subsequently improve food production and farm business profitability."

• Showcase tickets are now available at £13.50 per person. Buy tickets through Eventbrite at www.cutt.ly/Ue9wYNwY  
• Have you got an exciting agri-tech solution to share? Grab one of our last Marketplace spots for the chance to showcase your innovation to key stakeholders. Email  joanna.rufus@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to secure a place.