Conference highlights need for intelligent management for the future of potato growing
IN order to be profitable and sustainable, the potato industry must drive innovation, attract talent, and use data to drive decision-making for better resilience, leading industry voices agree at the recent Institute of Agricultural Management’s (IAgrM) National Farm Management Conference.
The opening session saw Maximo Torero, Chief Economist at the FAO, discuss the rising pressure on global food systems and how economic inequality, food insecurity and climate change are all impacting global agriculture.
With climate volatility pushing farming systems to their limits, he called for the industry to improve resilience through predictive early-warning systems, food waste reduction and adaptive investments.
“Our agrifood systems must transform if we’re to ensure food for all,” he said, stressing the need to channel more climate financing into agricultural innovation.
Echoing the urgency of resilience, John Shropshire, Chairman of G’s Fresh, reflected on the company’s ongoing investment in water resilience management.
He advocated for enhancing agriculture’s public image to attract quality talent, pointing out that “Britain’s largest industry needs to be seen as an appealing career choice.”
A thought-provoking panel discussion focused on leadership and technological innovation. Industry leaders discussed how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data integration are reshaping farm management, while emphasising the need for human judgement in decision-making.
Professor Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Harper Adams University, said: “Co-pilot is an apt name for AI. It brings new skills to the table and helps, but it’s people who ultimately make the critical decisions.”
Again, panellists emphasised the importance of developing a culture of resilience within the workforce, a point reinforced by Jodie Bolland, UK Agricultural Sourcing Director at Morrisons, who shared her experience in strengthening the British agricultural value chain.
Looking to the future, Ed Ford, Technology Manager at Dyson Farming; Jack A Bobo, Centre Lead and Director of the Food Systems Institute at Nottingham University, and Matt Percy, Vice President of solutions at John Deere, highlighted the role of innovation and long-term strategy in tackling agriculture’s biggest challenges.
Jack emphasised the value of strategic foresight, urging attendees to “stop preparing for the future you expect, and start creating the future you want.”
While Ed shared Dyson’s approach to data integration and digital transformation, stressing that “consistent, reliable data is the foundation of any AI or automation in farming.”
In addition, Matt highlighted a company goal to have 1.5 million machines connected by 2026, to empower farmers to make data-driven decisions. He also outlined John Deere’s commitment to making farming more affordable, accessible and adaptable with the fusion of automation, connectivity and precision solutions.
Summarising the conference, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, IAgrM president said: “Today has been a good day, after a pretty dramatic week in farming,” referencing that with the right people, innovations, funding and technology, the future of our agrifood system is still bright.
He concluded that intelligent management will always require the need to be adaptable in the face of constant change. “Change is a challenge, but it also brings opportunity.”
