Smart farming: technology and practice Dr Helen Ferrier NFU Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser Plan to Grow conference West Sussex Growers’ Association 18 November 2015

Optimise inputs Reduce impact Improve productivity Greater public goods “Produce more impact less”

Innovation Requirements for Primary Food Production in the UK to 2030 (published June 2013) Result of workshops with industry, hosted by NFU Farming industry telling funders and providers what our priority research needs are: Precision, genetics, agri-env systems, crop protection, livestock disease, valuing ecosystem services, Recommendations and next steps: Mapping research capacity Farmers on funding panels Influencing key funders’ strategies Joined up Government policy

Agri-Tech for farmers? Farmers as applied scientists / innovators Increase adoption of existing technologies ‘Practices’ as much as ‘technologies’ Knowledge exchange, equality of expertise Whole chain engagement, with trust Data sharing and protection Bridging the gap to commercialisation

Thank you!