Technology in Agriculture – New Bitesize Guide Launched

A new publication ‘Technology adoption for sustainable farming; A Bitesize Guide’ has been launched by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust and the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).

Part of an ongoing Bitesize Guide series highlight key findings, discussions and ideas from the extensive library of Nuffield Farming scholar reports, the new guide features thought-provoking extracts from 12 scholars. It provides information about new technologies being developed and used to help make agriculture more sustainable. Extracts include explanations of key technologies, what to opt for and what to avoid, to specific practical examples of technology use in different sectors.

The short, to-the-point information includes practical advice, case studies, talking points and action plans for future development. QR codes and links allow readers to access the relevant Nuffield Farming report for more information.

Nuffield Scholar and RASE Technical Director Stephen Briggs said: “This is a very relevant topic for anyone involved in agriculture. The reports in this Bitesize Guide give a great overview of technologies available and how they are being used by farming businesses across the globe.”

Each year, up to 25 people aged 25-45 are selected as scholars and sponsored by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust to travel, research and report on subjects they are passionate about and which contribute to advancing farming, food, horticulture, forestry and ancillary industries. Scholars travel for at least eight weeks, presenting their findings at the Nuffield Farming conference and publishing a report on their travels and recommendations, available on the Nuffield Farming website.

Rupert Alers-Hankey, Director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust said: “These studies bring new thinking, technology or management approaches from across the globe to the UK.

“However, it has been a real challenge to extend findings from Nuffield Farming scholars widely into the agri sector. There is a huge knowledge base that can be accessed via the Nuffield Farming library, and the Bitesize Guides – which now number seven – will make accessing that highly valuable, practical information much more straightforward.”

The Bitesize Guide series is supported by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust, Central Region Farmers Trust and Gloucestershire Agricultural House Foundation.

•  ‘Technology adoption for sustainable farming; A Bitesize Guide’ can be downloaded here https://www.rase.org.uk/reports/

Other guides in this series include:

• ‘New entrants and young farmers - making a start in farming; A Bitesize Guide’ 

• ‘Leadership and developing your career in agriculture; A Bitesize Guide’ 

• ‘Communicating with people outside of agriculture; A Bitesize Guide’ 

• ‘Young people and succession planning - overcoming barriers for next generation farmers; A Bitesize Guide’

• ‘Teams - Recruiting and retaining great people in farming and agribusiness; A Bitesize Guide’

• ‘Nutrients & water - Turning potential pollution into resource efficiencies; A Bitesize Guide’