Events

ExIST Conference 2014

Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology

The impact of data, science and technology on food security and production.

Event details

Information

A one day conference to raise awareness of, and to provide a general overview of, aspects of science and technology supporting agri-science and food security which might help secure the future of UK food requirements: with particular reference to the roles played by those organisations based in Exeter and the West Country in general as contributors to national and international discussion and progress at social, scientific, and commercial levels.

Programme

Time Event
09.00 Arrival and coffee.
09.30 Chairman’s Introduction – Agriscience: A SW perspective.  Mr John Lee, OBE, Chairman, Mole Avon Ltd, Chairman of Devon County Agricultural Association and Shobrooke beef and cereal farmer.
09.45 From Agri-Environment Schemes to Sustainable Intensification:  Changing Priorities for UK Agriculture.  Professor Michael Winter, OBE, Co-Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter.
10.15 Targeting global food security – meeting the challenges posed by pests and pathogens. Professor Sarah Gurr, Chair in Food Security, Food Security and Research Land Alliance, Universities of Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff and with Rothamsted.
10.45 Coffee break.
11.15 The interplay between food, water, and energy – waste not, want not. Dr Tim Fox, Head of Energy and Environment, IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers).
10.45 Impacts of climate variability and change on crops and water resources.  Dr Pete Falloon, Manager of Climate Impacts Modelling Group, The Met Office.
12.15 Lunch and networking.
13.30 Human activity and global impact:  Will/should genetically modified crops help ensure survival?  Professor John Bryant, Emeritus, University of Exeter.
14.00 Human activity and global impact:  will/should genetically modified crops help ensure survival? Professor John Bryant, Emeritus, University of Exeter.
14.30 Towards the 20,000 litre cow. Professor Toby Mottram, Royal Agricultural University, Founder & Chief Engineer at eCow.
15.00 Afternoon tea.
15.25 Sustainability and reliance upon localised production and sourcing in a ‘greedy’ world. Mr Mark Shepherd, Branch Manager and Retail Lead on Local & Regional Sourcing Working Party, Waitrose.
15.55 History and technology combine to produce a world beating dairy product.  Ms Mary Quicke, MBE, Quicke Traditional Ltd.
16.25 Closing address. Mr Robert McIlwraith, Chair of ExIST.
16.30 End of event.

Networking opportunity

With 70 places already gone, the conference will provide a vibrant, high level, networking opportunity for delegates. 90% of bookings are from business and organisation leaders (directors, heads of, chief executives) presenting the perfect opportunity to meet others from within the agri-tech and related industries.

Exhibition Area

On the day, conference delegates will be able to speak with representatives from a number of companies and organisations that are exhibiting at the event, including the University of Plymouth, the Met Office and Rothampstead Research.  To book one of the last 8 remaining exhibition stands click here.

Extra Tour

A tour of the facilities at North Wyke for interested conference attendees will take place on Friday 5 September - more details to follow - to register your interest email conference@existexeter.co.uk.

*programme details and timings may be subject to change.

To read more about each speaker, please click here.

Booking

Early Bird bookings close on 1 August - if you register your interest by emailing conference@existexeter.co.uk before Friday evening the booking rate will be held for you.

For all other bookings please register via the event page.

Location:

Alumni Auditorium