Writtle University College is celebrating the success of Thursday 24 October's Future of Food event. The well-attended evening highlighted projects and opportunities within the food production sector.
Visitors enjoyed a buffet and networking session followed by a series of lectures from industry experts:
- Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech East,
- Roxanne Martin, Barclays Agri-Tech Innovation Lead
- Kirstie Cochrane, Director of EIRA
The audience featured academics, students, business owners and professionals from the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The speakers shared their views on cutting-edge topics, covering the fourth agricultural revolution, innovative technology, collaborative projects and funding prospects.
Kirstie Cochrane said: "I was delighted to speak at the Future of Food event on the opportunities EIRA can offer agri-tech businesses and share some details about projects we have awarded funding too. EIRA have already committed over £350k towards projects that fit with our Biotechnology theme and we are keen to fund more projects that drive innovation and productivity for this sector in our region.
"The event was well attended and gave professionals the chance to find more about the important work universities, colleges, organisations and businesses are doing to collaborate and accelerate growth for the agricultural sector."
The Future of Food was the second success of the day. A specialist careers fair for the agriculture and horticulture industries took place throughout the afternoon, featuring a wide range of exhibitors from the sector. Employability Manager Tara Simpson commented: "The Future of Food seminar - combined with our Food, Farming and Horticulture afternoon careers fair - created a unique opportunity for students, staff, exhibitors and local communities. The events highlighted advances within the food sector that will have an impact on us all. Visitors to our campus gained an insight into the industry's changing needs and the skills our graduates will require in the coming years."