Agronomists and growers have the chance to peer into the future with February’s Agronomy Exchange conference.
Taking place at the Hilton Bankside Hotel, London, on February 11th, delegates will explore what the future of the industry will look like. A future that will be here quicker than many think, given the exponential advances in AI, digital and genetics.
New diagnostic tools and AI are already changing the way agronomists operate. It doesn’t eliminate the need to be in a field, as ground truthing will still be required, but real-time, remote data generated from multiple sources and locations will turn what is primarily a field-based role into one data-driven.
The role will evolve too. As UK farming transitions to embrace nature and biodiversity, GHG emissions and a more sustainable and secure food system, so advisors will need to integrate this into the role of managing commercial crops.
Cropping for food and the environment
For farmers, the changes will be equally as profound. The need to produce food is matched by those environmental demands, changing consumer and retail demands, tighter regulation and ongoing climate extremes.
The need for a sustainable food system is bound to lead to a more diverse farming landscape in the future. The research into niche crops and bio-composites is gathering pace, and with genetic advances, a range of protein and biomass crops will make their way into mainstream agriculture
From a modest beginning, there are now more than 1,000 vineyards in the UK, and some farmers are experimenting with crops as diverse as olives and rice.
That farming will change is not in doubt, and the conference is your chance to hear from experts in AI and robotics, biochemistry and IPM, sustainability, and biodiversity and carbon, helping you shape and secure your future.
There will also be the chance to discuss funding your future with Barclays and Propel on hand to offer advice, as well as various exhibitors showcasing new thinking and technology.
It is also your chance to catch up with the latest thinking on nutritional strategies, soil health and resilience, and IPM strategies.
Speakers include BOFIN lead Tom Allen-Stevens, Elliot Dixon of UK Agri-Tech Centre, Dr Elizabeth Stockdale NIAB, Digby Sowerby of Environmental Farmers Group and farmer David Bell.
At the end of the event, delegates will be invited to celebrate the finalists and winners of the 2026 National Arable and Grassland Awards.
The event is made possible by our sponsors, including principal sponsors Barclays/Propel Finance, who are joined by the Agronomy Edge platform, AHDB, Corteva Agriscience, Fielder, Nichino and QLF Agronomy.
There will also be opportunities throughout the day to speak to experts at the various exhibitor stands, including Gowan Crop Protection, Greenland Seeds, Optigene Limited, UPL and Yagro.
Book your place now by visiting www.agronomyexchange.com or visit the Farmers Weekly stand at Lamma (6.642) to take advantage of a 50% discount.