Virtual Summit, 27 January, 2022

18.15

Welcome and opening remarks from the Chair

Ivan Yates

Ivan Yates

Broadcaster, entrepreneur and politician

18.20

Changing Ireland’s focus on Agritech

While our Agritech sector is very young, it is expanding at a rapid pace. Our experts will give us an overview of the Agritech scene in Ireland and how it is expected to grow in the coming years. The discussion will centre on how agritech businesses are being supported, how the technology can help Irish farmers to progress sustainability efforts and where current policy needs to address the uptake of agritech amongst food producers.

James Maloney

James Maloney

Senior Regional Development Executive, Enterprise Ireland

Karol Kissane

Karol Kissane

Regional Executive, Irish Farmers Association

18:40

How can we better utilise our fertiliser?

Irish farmers will have to think outside the box when it comes to fertiliser application in the future. Adding to the issue of the rising costs of fertiliser and the uncertainty with the market’s supply chain, our experts discuss the latest innovations on how to improve our efficiencies and how agritech can improve your carbon footprint.

 

Alzbeta Klein

Alzbeta Klein

CEO / Director General, International Fertilizer Association (Canada / Slovakia)

Mike Harrington

Mike Harrington

Agronomist, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Consultant (UK)

19:00

Changing your cow’s eating habits

Innovative animal feeds and supplements have the potential to reduce methane production in cattle and impact positively on animal health. Our expert panel will discuss the latest developments and explain the research that is expected to drive better efficiencies.

Juan Tricarico

Juan Tricarico

Vice President - Sustainability Research, Dairy Management (USA)

Professor Sharon Huws

Professor Sharon Huws

Professor in Animal Science and Microbiology, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast

19:20

‘Health is wealth’ for animals and industry

Improving and detecting your animal’s health saves many costs in the long run. This discussion will focus on the latest research around antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the value of animal health data and examine the latest technology helping to deliver insights.

Dr Finola Leonard

Dr Finola Leonard

Associate Professor School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD

Sinead Quealy

Sinead Quealy

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Virtual Vet

Sean Smith

Sean Smith

Founder and Commercial Director, Micron Agritech

19:42

Ad Break

19:45

Newest advances in spraying technology 

Our expert panel will discuss the latest precision technology that is dominating crop-spraying. The panel will inform farmers of the future trends that are likely to spread across Irish farms in the next few years.

Sarra Mander

Sarra Mander

Director, Small Robot Company, UK

Dermot Forristal

Dermot Forristal

Crops and Mechanisation Research Officer, Teagasc

Dr Paul Miller

Dr Paul Miller

Board Director, Silsoe Spray Applications Unit, UK

20:10

Technology that is helping to put money back in your pocket

Digital technology and data analytics have transformed all sectors of industry and society and the agricultural sector is embracing the ‘digital revolution’ with open arms. Our Tech panel will explore the latest innovations that provide farmers with real insights to save costs and increase value.

Kit Franklin

Kit Franklin

Hands Free Hectare Project Lead and Co-Creator, UK

Daniel Foy

Daniel Foy

Co-Founder & CEO, AgriGates

James Healy

James Healy

IP & Business Development Manager, VistaMilk SFI Research Centre

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

CEO and Founder, CropHound

20:42

Ad Break

20:45

Sustainable Farming – What are we doing and what can we learn? 

Discussion with farmers and managers from Ireland, the UK and Australia that are using innovative practices and technologies which are aiming to be climate neutral in the coming decade. What can Irish farmers learn?

Stephen Mackenzie

Stephen Mackenzie

Livestock Farmer, Auchmore Farm, Scotland

Simon Wallwork

Simon Wallwork

Corrigin Farm and Chair, AgZero2030, Australia

Gavin Hunt

Gavin Hunt

Farm Zero C Project Manager, BiOrbic

21:10

The growth of alternative farming providing new opportunities

Some of the fastest growing Irish agribusinesses are diversifying into new alternative agricultural enterprises. These business owners share their experiences and their concepts of what sustainable food production looks like for them. This discussion is aiming to get all of us thinking.

Brian McCarthy

Brian McCarthy

Founder and Farmer, Cork Rooftop Farm

Brian O’Reilly

Brian O’Reilly

Managing Director, Emerald Green Farms Ltd

Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh

Co-Founder, Greentech Holdings Ltd

21.30

Summit ends