A new agri food initiative in the midlands is being launched to facilitate those in the sector to adopt and embrace digital technologies.
It will do this by providing information, services and financing.
The collaboration between two Laois-based groups – Bloom HQ in Mountrath and The Cube – Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise – will see an agri thought forum on July 27, at 2:00p.m, to facilitate feedback from the agri food sector across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.
It will take place at BloomHQ, Mountrath.
Workshop series
The smart agri hubs innovations workshop series will focus on sustainable land management for reducing carbon footprint in the agri industry and use of open-source aerial technology to improve farming processes, and in turn, increase yields and productivity.
The workshops will be available through a hybrid model to ensure full accessibility and Zoom links will be provided.
Regina Dunne, digital innovations officer, Bloom HQ, one of two project managers along with Niall Kenny, director of The Cube, said that the agri innovation development midlands (AIDM) is the first of its type in the midlands.
“It will act as a catalyst for agri food organisations,” she said.
“The AIDM will be a one-stop-shop, serving agri food related companies within the midlands, helping them to become more competitive through the adoption and development of digital innovations,” she said.
“We will hold regular workshops and training events and serve as the conduit between all stakeholders.
“We will be introducing technology providers and innovators to the people engaged in the agri food and farming sectors, providing them with real tangible sources of information and investment.
“This consortium will create a unique service in the midlands, source data and provide educational and training relevant to the agri food and farming industry in the midlands,” said Regina.
The hope, she said, is to create an in-depth understanding of the issues facing the agri industry in the future, both from a risk mitigation and opportunity perspective.
This information will then be shared with its consortium of partners, including agri consultants and investors, to educate and help deliver digital adoption to drive growth and ensure the future of the sector across the midlands.
“We know that those in agri food production and the greater farming community want to get involved in the digital transformation, but sometimes they are unsure of where to access help, support and information,” said Regina.
“We have a thriving agri food community in the midlands. In Laois alone, we have 180 producers, all of whom are working to developing their businesses to the most exacting standards and so, are actually acting as ‘standard bearers’ for others who may wish to break into the industry.
“We will be linking in with agri tech clusters. Our reach is very wide, and we aim to provide a wealth of knowledge to farmers in the midlands. We are receiving great support from IFA for example, as well as many more agri facing groups.
“The midlands is a fertile area for agriculture; 10% of national farmers are based in the region. We will be providing farmers, agri business owners, including agri tech businesses with all the help they need to access relevant services for them. “
Given the current global “climate crisis” it is essential that stakeholders in the agri food industry have access to emerging technologies and funding streams, Regina believes.
Furthermore, as the agri food industry moves to digital farming, she says it is essential that services are provided on a local level.
“We are the link, opening doors to all involved in the agri-food industry to allow them access services,” she said.
Workshops
“The workshops will be delivered in a hybrid model to facilitate participation from those at-risk groups of the agri industry who may not necessarily engage with workshops on a community level,” said Regina.
“The easier we make it for people to participate, the more engagement we will achieve.
“It is imperative that they have the necessary information and tools to enable them become more competitive through the adoption of digital systems.”
The move, Regina contended, is a bold and exciting step forward for the region.
“We are looking forward to listening to and receiving feedback at the upcoming agri think tank. It will be a huge opportunity to link in and strengthen bonds across the sector.”