Fresh from completing the Farm Profitability Review, former NFU President and Cross Bench Peer, Minette Batters, will deliver a keynote address to Agri-TechE’s REAP Conference on November 4th at the KingsGate Centre, Peterborough.

Agri-TechE has announced the date and the first speakers for its flagship annual event, the REAP Conference. It attracts farmers, researchers, innovators, government officials and agribusiness leaders from across the UK and beyond.

The event on November 4th comes soon after Minette Batters completes her Farm Profitability Review, providing attendees with an exclusive insight into her findings, which intends to propose actions for government and industry to ensure the farming sector is more viable, self-sustaining and competitive.

"Innovation and technology are absolutely key to boosting on-farm productivity across both crops and livestock," says Minette.

"The Farm Profitability Review, which will be completed just days before REAP, follows extensive consultation across the industry, and I'll have several conclusions and reflections to report during the keynote. It's a multi-faceted picture, but agri-tech has a vital role to play in building resilient, sustainable and profitable farms of the future.

"I've been trying to get to an Agri-TechE event for a while, so I'm looking forward to attending REAP and being part of the conversation."

Her address aligns with the theme of the conference, which will focus on the three most vital pillars for the future of farming, as identified by Agri-TechE: Connection, Co-Development, and Co-Existence.

"The 2025 theme reflects the urgent need for collaborative, systems-based innovation in agriculture," says Belinda Clarke, Agri-TechE Director.

"As pressure grows on land, time, money, people and resources, both co-creation and co-existence are essential. We need mission-led innovation shaped by real-world challenges, and to embrace the reality that multiple systems will share the same space.

"Success and future farm profitability depend on how we bring them together, which is what we intend to bring closer to reality at REAP 2025".

Tickets are available for purchase on the Agri-TechE website. Farmers can apply for a heavily discounted ticket through the bursary and have the opportunity for a personal discussion with Minette Batters at the invite-only Farmer Breakfast. Spaces for the bursary are limited.