What Happened in Sustainable Agriculture in July 2023?

Jana Sedlackova
Consultant

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Intensive farming has a bad rap for being a major contributor to climate change, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Whilst some argue that intensive farming is the only viable approach to feed a growing global population, others recognise the harmful consequences that come with it.

Instead of relying solely on intensive farming, many are advocating for exploring sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices. Fortunately, there are a number of organisations, governments, and other stakeholders working to make this industry more sustainable.

Let’s catch up on the latest news in agritech!

Food Tech and Ethical Farming Initiatives

The RSPCA’s campaign, “The Better Chicken,” has gained significant support, with nearly 20,000 people signing up in just five weeks. The initiative urges UK supermarkets to enhance broiler chicken health and welfare by offering more space, light, and enrichment and by exclusively using slower-growing, higher-welfare breeds. Moreover, the campaign seeks to raise awareness among the public about how their purchasing choices can positively impact animal welfare.

  • A team led by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is currently conducting a six-month study to explore the potential impact of lab-grown meat on the farming industry. The research aims to predict how new forms of meat production, such as lab-grown or cultured meat, could shape the future of food.
  • On a related note, Shiru, an innovative AI-Powered FoodTech company, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful commercialisation of its first food ingredient, OleoPro™. Using its patented AI discovery system, Shiru developed this ingredient, signalling a significant leap forward in sustainable and health-conscious alternatives. OleoPro™ offers a remarkable 90% reduction in saturated fat in alternative protein foods. Notably, it maintains its form at room temperature and even browns when cooked, replicating the characteristics of traditional fat.
  • In Abu Dhabi, Silal, a part of ADQ, one of the largest holding companies, is launching the Innovation Oasis—an Innovation, Research, and Development (R&D) Centre located in Al Ain. The facility aims to cultivate an ecosystem using advanced technologies to accelerate the growth of the Agri-Food sector.
  • UK-based Grow Up Farms is making fresh salads available at Tesco through their brand, Unbeleafableuk. The locally grown and pesticide-free salads promise to stay fresher and offer a sustainable and healthy option for shoppers.

Sustainable Initiatives and Government Support

Vertical Farming

Challenges and Layoffs in the Agritech Space

.Expansion and Collaboration

Final thoughts

Agritech continues to drive innovations in the agriculture industry, offering sustainable solutions to meet the growing global demand for food. From vertical farming’s funding success to lab-grown meat’s potential impact and government support for a resilient food system, the news in agritech reflects a sector striving to shape a greener and more efficient future for agriculture.

As we witness these advancements and tackle challenges, it’s clear that the agritech industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustainability for generations to come.

At Gibson Watts, we are confident in our ability to secure the best candidates whilst keeping up with the demands of this ever-evolving market. We have the credentials and expertise to advise and support your business and empower a future generation of agricultural workers.

If you would like to find out more, reach out to us today.

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