George Freeman FRSA MP’s Post

This figure should make you nervous. While we’ve seen tremendous innovations in #agtech, U.S. funding for R&D is under threat. Over the past two decades, public funding for ag R&D has dropped by 20%, putting the future of our food supply at risk. If we don’t act now, we could lose the momentum that has fueled innovation and ensured global food security for generations. In my recent opinion piece at the Talk Business & Politics, I outline three ways the business world can make a difference: 1. Advocate for increased R&D funding in the #FarmBill to keep U.S. agriculture at the forefront of global #innovation. 2. Push for boosted state support for agricultural #ExperimentStations and #CooperativeExtension programs to ensure farmers have access to the latest technology and research. 3. Foster #PublicPrivatePartnerships that accelerate the development of groundbreaking ag technologies. Public research is a prerequisite for a sustainable and secure future of the #foodsystem. The future of farming depends on our commitment to funding the research that will drive the next wave of agricultural breakthroughs. https://lnkd.in/gcEdtD7W

I've shared this graphic before, and we take it to the Hill each year to remind Congress of the erosion of investment, especially in comparison to global competitors. But the always insightful Trey Malone outlines the trifecta that will bring the support needed to advance #agtech in the U.S.

AgTech Ecosystem - really good piece by Trey Malone comparing the R&D spending changes for major regions/countries over time. I agree with his summary of the problem and 3 recommendations for making things better. I'm posting this to get it some wider exposure. If you have questions or comments, please make on Trey's post directly so everyone can see all content there. My questions are also on Trey's post!

Europe’s premier networking event for agricultural technology pioneers, World Agri-Tech, is returning to London’s InterContinental – O2 this September 30th – October 1st Tickets are discounted until midnight BST August 14, and you can save an extra 10% with The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s exclusive discount code: UK10 The event will spotlight the latest breakthroughs and investment needed to adapt to a changing climate. With a focus on the crucial role of supply chain partnerships in fostering climate-smart agriculture, the summit will unite 1000+ leaders in agribusinesses, farming co-operatives, CPGs, policymakers, investors, and dynamic start-ups, from Europe and beyond for two days of expert insights, interactive discussions, and face-to-face networking – it’s a must-attend for those invested in advancing nature positive, resilient agri-food systems. ➡️Book your tickets here: https://ow.ly/yVTI50SUG6s #connect #inspire #grow #adopt #resilientsystems #intelligentagriculture #acceleratingagritech #agritech #agribusiness

There is so much to ponder here. My personal experience over the last 10 years has been that there is very low appetite on the public and private funding side for food system innovation outside of meat and dairy analogs like Impossible and Beyond which, because of negative financial performance, has served to further suppress support for innovators of climate-smart ingredients and products. I would like to better understand this and figure out how to change the tide.

The U.S. agriculture sector is a cornerstone of the economy, but it’s under pressure from increasing global competition, climate challenges, and outdated regulations. The next administration has a critical opportunity to empower farmers and fuel innovation. In his latest piece, L. Val Giddings highlights what should be done: 🧬 Streamline Biotech Approvals: Cut red tape and modernize regulations to speed up the adoption of technologies like gene editing. 💡 Boost R&D Investments: Double federal support for agricultural innovation to develop more resilient and productive crops. 🌍 Address Trade Barriers: Advocate for science-based policies to expand access to global markets for U.S. farmers. With these steps, the U.S. can lead in agricultural innovation, improve rural economies, and strengthen food security. https://lnkd.in/ewDP_Rfa

The 190th seminar of the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE), hosted by Wageningen University & Research, focused on the financial sector's pivotal role in enabling the transition to more sustainable and resilient agri and food systems. AIAG Board member Jaap Breugem, representing AIAG and Achmea Agro, shared valuable insights from an agricultural insurers perspective. 🌾 He highlighted the importance of proactive measures to prevent agricultural damages and enhance farmers' adaptability – key factors in addressing climate change. Additionally, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between supply chain actors and agricultural insurers to promote sustainability. Data and technology also play a vital role in supporting sustainable practices and boosting resilience in agriculture. 🌐 We sincerely thank Jaap Breugem for his excellent presentation and for representing AIAG at this significant seminar. #aiag #agriculture #insurance #sustainability

We are facing a global food crisis of unprecedented scale. This open letter from 150+ Nobel & World Food Prize Laureates is a rally cry we all need to take notice of. Incremental improvements will not suffice. We need bold, disruptive innovations in areas like cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, vertical farming, and AI-powered agriculture. These technologies hold the key to unlocking sustainable and scalable food production systems that can feed a growing global population while mitigating climate change. Beyond funding, we need to foster a collaborative ecosystem that connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This includes streamlining regulatory frameworks to accelerate the adoption of novel food technologies, investing in R&D to advance fundamental scientific breakthroughs, and building robust infrastructure to support the scaling of sustainable food production. The time for action is now. You can learn more about what you can do here: https://lnkd.in/e8NjKa6R #WFPLaureates4Action #Agrofoodtech #ClimateTech #FoodSecurity #Laureates4Action #HungerCrisis

👩🌾 Mc Kinsey surveyed about 4,400 farmers in nine countries from January to March 2024 to shed light on the key factors affecting farmers’ profitability and adoption of technology and sustainable practices. ➡️ Results showed that an increase in input prices remains farmers’ main concern, and extreme weather events are emerging as a close second. ➡️ Adoption of sustainable practices for both small- and large-scale farmers is underpinned by economics; farmers are interested in improving productivity and adding revenue streams. ➡️  Interviews with farmers found that they use biologicals to supplement existing tools because combined protocols improve yield. ➡️ About 90 percent of farmers using biologicals said they expect to maintain or increase spending on bio-based products. 📈 Global Farmer Insights: https://lnkd.in/gpZBr27q

🌟 Thrilled to Announce My First Article! 🌍🌱 I'm incredibly excited to share my first-ever published article, co-authored with my colleagues Benjamin Davis, Ana Paula de la O Campos, and my mentor Paul Winters. It has been an amazing journey working alongside such brilliant minds, and I’m truly grateful for their support and collaboration throughout the process. 🙏 🔑Our article dives into the challenges and opportunities of agricultural productivity in building resilient, inclusive agri-food systems. With the pressing realities of climate change and persistent inequalities, we explore how growth models must evolve to stay relevant. 🔑While the relevance of the traditional productivity-led model in today’s agricultural and rural landscapes is being questioned, we argue that enhancing productivity and continuing to invest and focus on agriculture and food systems remains essential for resilient and inclusive development. 🔑This paper reflects a deep belief in the power of inclusive, sustainable agriculture to transform communities and systems. I hope it sparks thoughtful discussions about the future of agriculture, rural transformation, and resilience. It has been an honor to contribute to these critical discussions, and I hope the insights in our article inspire meaningful conversations. I’m grateful to everyone for the support. Here’s the link to the full article: https://lnkd.in/ek7gq9PF #FirstPublication #Agriculture #Sustainability #PovertyReduction #RuralDevelopment #ClimateAction #AgrifoodSystems #EconomicGrowth