Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), at the University of Lincoln, UK, in conjunction with the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), hosted an FPC Future conference and Careers Area on 04 November 2021 focussing on future technology including robotics and automation and in horticulture.

The event took place at the Lincolnshire Showground Epic Centre which saw a around 1000 people participate (attendees and exhibitors).

The packed schedule included eight conference sessions covering pre and post farm robotics and automation, data driven technologies, plastics and packaging, supply chain waste, carbon supply chains, vertical farming and sustainability.

The University exhibited in both the FPC Future and Careers areas and attendees explored the University’s research including the ICaRE4Farms project.

Attendees were keen to learn about the latest research in shaping the agriculture and horticulture sector.

Tours of the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Campus provided a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see these technological developments – including the robotic harvesting of strawberries, a state-of-the-art refrigeration unit and various other facilities supporting projects in artificial intelligence, robotics and engineering.

The event and tours were also attended by Jo Churchill MP, Minister for Agri-Innovation and Climate Adaptation who was impressed by the University’s transformative innovation in agriculture.