Freshtalk Daily explores the future of the UK's fresh produce industry, highlighting how those working in agriculture and horticulture must face the challenges ahead with thoughtful and innovative solutions.
With an increasing population, the UK's need for fresh produce has never been more important. From farmers to horticulturists, the fresh produce industry is key in providing food that can be sustainably grown and produced. With advances in technology, new challenges have arisen, and the industry needs to consider how it can meet them.
In order to meet the challenges of the future, the UK's fresh produce industry will need to be adaptable and innovative. Farmers and horticulturists need to be up-to-date with the latest technology, and they need to be able to apply it to their businesses. They also need to be open to new ideas and willing to experiment with new techniques.
As the world's population continues to grow, the demand for fresh produce will rise. This means that the UK's fresh produce industry needs to be able to adapt and change in order to meet this demand.
With this in mind, FPC have developed two ground-breaking new events under one roof: FPC Future and FPC Careers.
FPC Future
“FPC has been pro-actively looking at new ways to bridge the disconnect between the next generation of agricultural and horticultural workers and the perception of the industry as a whole and we believe we’ve found some solutions,” explained FPC's chief executive, Nigel Jenney.
“We believe in educating the industry about how both agriculture and horticulture can be made smarter through the incorporation of technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics and automation, along with the development of new growing systems and practices, all designed to promote long term sustainability, which is why we've developed these two industry events,” Jenney continued
The events will both be held at the East of England Arena and Events Centre in Peterborough on Thursday 16 March 2023 and each will tackle different challenges faced by the industry in a unique way.
FPC Future has proven itself to be the agritech event for the fresh produce and flower industry and will house an exhibition, with working demos, plus a range of leading expert speakers will be discussing key industry challenges on the day.
“This much-needed event will educate and showcase all that is new right now, as well as exploring what the future promises,” explained FPC’s Communication Manager, Kelly Shields.
“Visitors will be able to see how new technologies can help them become more efficient, increase productivity and help their workforce” she added.
The conference programme is an extensive one, covering pre and post farm innovations to include robotics and automation, data-driven technologies, supply chain waste, vertical farming and sustainability.
In short, there’s something for everyone!
“FPC Future is the perfect platform for companies wishing to showcase their next-generation technology and product lines to the growers, packers, importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers and service providers,” said FPC’s Business Development Manager, Linda Bloomfield.
“Innovation will drive the future commercial success of the sector, and this is a great opportunity for those in agritech to take part as an exhibitor to showcase their solutions, forge new contacts and ultimately pick up new business,” she added.
FPC Careers
FPC Careers has been developed to connect today’s up-and-coming talent with the food chains’ best employers.
Alongside the opportunity to meet face-to face-with representatives from major fresh produce companies and specialised recruitment agencies, industry experts will be available throughout the day to provide attendees with free advice, mentoring and guidance.
“Our industry desperately needs new blood and this is a fantastic opportunity for companies to showcase their businesses and career possibilities to students and other young jobseekers at a time when they are considering the first or next steps that they wish to take with their careers,” explained Bloomfield.
“Exhibiting at a specialised event like this is a cost-effective and efficient way of engaging with younger jobseekers interested in joining our sector, as well as forging connections with the specialised recruitment agencies who will also be taking part,” she concluded.
To find out more and to register for free click here.
Only by being adaptable and innovative will the UK's fresh produce industry be able to meet the challenges of the future.