AgTech conference to offer insights on future of farming
The future role of technology agri-business is to be discussed in depth at ‘AgTech – The Future of Sustainable Agricultural Business’ in Fota Island Resort, Cork, on Wednesday, March 6.
Organised by Cork Co Council’s Local Enterprise Office, this free event is the first of its kind in Cork. It is one of the highlight events of Enterprise Ireland’s Local Enterprise Week, running from March 4 to 8.
Tim Lucey, CEO, Cork County Council, said: “ A key part of the business support strategy of the Council is to become a leader in how Local Authorities address future business challenges and opportunities.
"Supporting AgTech SMEs is central to this strategic approach. With the recent award of €1.86m from the Regional Enterprise Development Fund for the Agri Innovation Hub Ireland (AIHI) which will be based in Kilworth, a partnership of Cork County Council, Teagasc, Tyndall and CIT, it is timely that our Local Enterprise Offices are delivering this AgTech convention. We look forward over the next few years to see the emergence of new, innovative technologies and businesses delivering solutions in this space.”
Speakers at AgTech’s first two sessions will include: Seamus O’Mahony, Dairygold; Dermot Forristal, Teagasc; Karol Kissane, Nuffield Scholar; Dr Eoghan Finneran, FarmEye; Padraig Hennessy, Terra NutriTech; and Martin Deady and Syl Lyster, Dairy Geyser.
The panel discussion will feature Alan Jagoe of Agri Aware, Ursula Kelly of Cormac Tagging and Brian Kelly of Bullmatch.ie. Fabien Peyaud, founder and CEO of Herdwatch, will highlight the challenges and opportunities ahead for AgTech.
A networking lunch will close the proceedings, allowing industry professionals, and those new to the opportunities that AgTech can offer, the chance to debate the day.
Sean O’Sullivan, head of enterprise at LEO South Cork, said: “We in Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office have an increasing cohort of clients involved in AgTech enterprises, be it in food, engineering, technology, or the sciences. Every year as part of our national enterprise week promotions we focus on a specific enterprise sector to highlight and celebrate its entrepreneurs.
"We hope our first AgTech Convention will achieve and deliver on our objectives, plus we hope to attract more entrepreneurs and technologists to take a fresh look at the opportunities in the sector for the future."
