Agri-TechE and the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM) have announced they are collaborating to open new opportunities for early-career individuals and professionals in their respective communities. The arrangement involves promoting the Early Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF) programme to their networks and providing opportunities to attend Agri-TechE and IAgrM events. Notably, this includes two fully funded places on IAgrM’s Farm Management Skills Programme (FMSP).
ECIF is a platform that unites early-career individuals interested in agri-tech through a diverse programme of free activities sponsored by the Morley Agricultural Foundation. Agri-TechE has delivered ECIF since its inception ten years ago and will now be supported by IAgrM.
Dr Laura Bouvet, Knowledge Exchange Manager at Agri-TechE, sees opportunities for a wider blend of backgrounds participating in ECIF.
“It gives IAgrM members the chance to understand the agri-tech world better and the exciting new innovations in development,” says Laura. “Likewise, researchers and tech developers can get insight into practical farm management.”
Victoria Bywater, IAgrM Director, says: “IAgrM is passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of agriculture. This collaboration with Agri-TechE allows us to connect emerging talent with the practical knowledge and networks they need to thrive.
“We are offering ECIF participants the chance to apply for two fully funded places on the IAgrM Farm Management Skills Programme this year, hosted at Harper Adams University.”
With the annual ECIF conference scheduled for April 30th online, Laura adds that now is the ideal time to join ECIF.
“This year’s conference is called ‘Innovating from Seed to Field, through Space’ and is open to new and existing ECIF members,” explains Laura. “The ECIF conference gives attendees an overview of the technologies and research they wouldn’t know about. It’s an opportunity for them to get excited and inspired about the sector.”
ECIF in action: Elin Falla
Elin Falla came across ECIF at a careers event. An interest in plant science led Elin to do a PhD at Cambridge University, studying mathematical models of the spread of aphid-transmitted viruses through crops.
“One of the reasons I was so keen to join ECIF is because my PhD is quite theoretical and I don’t get an overview of what the agricultural industry looks like,” explains Elin. “It can seem a bit mystifying at first. Academic papers aren’t the same as hearing about the industry and what other people involved do.”
Once she has completed her PhD, Elin wants to explore opportunities to work for an agri-tech company or pursue further research in the industry. She sees the connections she makes at ECIF as helping her achieve that ambition.
“I still haven’t decided what direction I might take. Either way, it’s important to me that my research is valuable and talking to the people involved daily is really helpful for that,” adds Elin.
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