The UK Agri-Tech sector has received a significant boost following positive remarks from Defra Secretary Steve Reed OBE at the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC). Opening the event on January 9th, Reed placed a strong emphasis on agri-tech and precision breeding, highlighting their critical role in shaping the future of agriculture and securing the backing of the Labour Government.
The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP – Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agri-Tech and Precision Breeding in Focus
Steve Reed described agri-tech and precision breeding as essential for the sector’s future, stating:
“Our intention is to support these schemes because the future of the industry is dependent on getting them right.”
Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive of the UK Agri-Tech Centre
For Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, this focus was a welcome endorsement of the transformative potential of technology in farming. Bicknell praised the Secretary of State’s commitment to food production and sustainable farming businesses, saying:
“It was great to hear him talk about the importance of agri-tech and precision breeding and the complexity and circularity of agricultural production.”
As a science-led organisation, the UK Agri-Tech Centre is well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural practices, making Reed’s message particularly encouraging.
Oxford Farming Conference
Launch of ADOPT: Accelerating Innovation in Farming
One of the key announcements at the OFC was the launch of ADOPT (Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies), a new initiative under the Farming Innovation Programme. Due to roll out this spring, ADOPT will:
Fund farmer-led trials of new technologies, systems, and approaches.
Focus on improving profitability, productivity, and sustainability for farmers, growers, and foresters across England.
Phil Bicknell applauded this initiative, highlighting its importance:
“ADOPT is so important because unless you can place innovation in the hands of end users, in this case farmers, and accelerate the pace of adoption then we are missing out on the opportunities which are out there.”
With ADOPT, the government aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that innovations reach the hands of the people who will benefit most—farmers.
Precision Breeding and Legislative Progress
Another key announcement was the plan to introduce secondary legislation by the end of March to unlock the potential of precision breeding technology. This step aims to position the UK as a leader in sustainable and advanced agricultural practices. For the UK Agri-Tech Centre, this was another reason to celebrate, as it aligns perfectly with their mission to advance evidence-based and technology-driven solutions for the sector.
UK Agri-Tech Centre at the Oxford Farming Conference
The Oxford Farming Conference is a highlight in the farming calendar, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre played a prominent role this year as a gold partner. The Centre sponsored the Thursday afternoon session, ‘Adapting to a Changing World’, which featured thought-provoking discussions on how agriculture is evolving in response to global challenges.
The session underlined the importance of innovation in addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and food security, reinforcing the key themes of the conference.
A Bright Future for Agri-Tech
The positive focus on agri-tech and the introduction of ADOPT signal a promising future for UK agriculture. By prioritising innovation and collaboration, the government is enabling farmers to adapt to a rapidly changing world, while also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in agricultural technology.
For those of us passionate about tech and innovation, this is an exciting time to watch how precision breeding, AI-driven systems, and sustainable practices transform the farming industry.
What are your thoughts on the government’s renewed focus on agri-tech? Let us know in the comments below!
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin. Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Will Lavin, the Green Party candidate.
Join us as we delve into Will Lavin’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for sustainable development, environmental protection, and community well-being. Discover his stance on key issues such as climate change, local economy, and social justice. Will shares his passion for creating a greener, fairer future for Hitchin and beyond.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles00:12 Introduction by Matt Porter, Founder of We Love Hitchin01:07 Welcome Will Lavin
01:19 Background and Motivation: Will Lavin discusses his background and what motivated him to run as a candidate for Hitchin.
03:10 Cost of Living Crisis
03:26 Q1: What new policies will the Green Party introduce to help families struggling with the cost of living?
03:30 A1: Will’s response detailing the proposed measures.
06:40 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
06:56 A2: Will outlines the Green Party’s plans to address issues within the NHS, including appointment wait times and staffing shortages.
09:35 Q3: Economy
10:00 A3: Strategies to address inflation, unemployment, and ensure economic stability.
13:10 Q4: Climate Change and The Environment
13:30 A4: Measures to promote environmental sustainability in Hitchin.
17:54 Q5: Crime
18:10 A5: Plans to enhance public safety and improve law enforcement effectiveness.
21:03 Q6: Housing
22:01 A6: Measures to address housing affordability and availability, especially for younger people and those on lower incomes.
24:36 Q7: Roads
25:09 A7: Addressing the appalling state of the roads and infrastructure improvements.
Community Questions
26:55 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
27:31 CQA1: Will’s response to bringing water companies back into public ownership.
29:11 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War
29:26 CQA2: Will’s stance on providing arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine.
30:36 Jeremy’s Question on Digital Currency
30:48 CQA3: Will’s perspective on digital currency and its implications.
32:03 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Education Needs
33:00 CQA4: Will addresses concerns regarding SEN provision and pledges improved support and resources.
35:38 Will Addresses the Voters
35:47: Will makes his closing appeal to the voters, explaining why they should vote for him on the 4th of July.
36:47 Thanks and Wrapping Up37:49 End Titles
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin. Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Lucas, the Liberal Democrat Party candidate for Hitchin.
Join us as we delve into Chris Lucas’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for economic stability, public safety, and community development. Discover his stance on key issues such as infrastructure, business support, and education. Chris shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles00:15 Introduction01:13 Background and Motivation: Chris Lucas discusses his background and what motivated him to run for election in the new Hitchin Constituency.
03:23 Q1: Cost of Living Crisis
03:43 A1: Chris Lucas outlines measures to help families struggling with the rising cost of living.
06:04 Q1A: Do the Lib Dems want to rejoin the EU?
06:20 A1A: Chris Lucas addresses the party’s stance on rejoining the EU.
11:20 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
11:40 A2: Chris’s plans to improve healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and address staffing shortages.
16:40 Q3: Economy
17:13 A3: Strategies to address inflation, unemployment, and ensure economic stability.
19:53 Q4: Climate Change and Environment
20:08 A4: Measures to promote environmental sustainability in Hitchin.
24:10 Q5: Crime
24:25 A5: Plans to improve personal safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the community.
31:00 Q6: Housing
32:05 A6: Addressing the housing crisis, particularly focusing on affordability and availability for younger people and those on lower incomes.
40:32 Q7: Roads
41:05 A7: Plans to improve the condition of roads and address issues like potholes.
Community Questions
44:44 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
45:18 CQA1: Chris’s response to bringing water companies back into public ownership.
47:17 Caroline’s Question on Waspies Compensation
48:30 CQA2: Chris discusses the issue of compensation for ‘Waspies’.
50:34 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War and Palestine Recognition
50:49 CQA3: Chris’s stance on providing arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine.
53:31 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Education Needs
56:30 CQA4: Chris addresses concerns regarding SEN provision and pledges improved support and resources.
01:03:21 Chris Addresses the Voters
01:03:36: Chris makes his closing appeal to the voters, explaining why they should vote for him on the 4th of July.
01:05:12 Thanks and Wrapping Up01:06:46 End Titles
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin. Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Charles Bunker, the Reform Party candidate for Hitchin.
Join us as we delve into Charles Bunker’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for economic stability, public safety, and community development. Discover his stance on key issues such as infrastructure, business support, and education. Charles shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles00:12 Important Message regarding the video recording01:12 Introduction by Matt Porter, Founder of We Love Hitchin01:07 Welcome Charles Bunker
01:51 Background and Motivation: Charles discusses his background and what motivated him to run as a candidate for Hitchin.
06:50 Cost of Living Crisis
06:53 Q1: What new policies will Reform UK introduce to help families struggling with the cost of living?
07:10 A1: Charles’s response detailing the proposed measures.
11:23 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
11:42 A2: Charles outlines Reform UK’s plans to fix issues within the NHS, including appointment wait times and staffing shortages.
18:04 Q3: Economy
18:20 A3: Charles discusses strategies for addressing inflation, unemployment, and economic stability.
22:26 Q4: Climate Change and The Environment
23:01 A4: Charles’s vision for tackling climate change and improving environmental policies.
29:10 Q5: Crime
29:30 A5: Plans to enhance public safety and improve law enforcement effectiveness.
33:30 Q6: Housing
34:12 A6: Measures to address housing affordability and availability, especially for younger people and those on lower incomes.
40:48 Q7: Roads
41:22 A7: Addressing the appalling state of the roads and infrastructure improvements.
Community Questions
42:50 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
43:10 CQA1: Charles’s response to bringing water companies back into public ownership.
43:39 Martin’s Question on Artificial Intelligence
43:50 CQA2: Charles’s thoughts on AI and ensuring its safe use.
45:40 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War
46:28 CQA3: Charles’s stance on providing arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine.
49:34 Jeremy’s Question on Digital Currency
50:00 CQA4: Charles’s perspective on digital currency and its implications.
52:50 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Education Needs
53:53 CQA4: Charles addresses concerns regarding SEN provision and pledges improved support and resources.
57:33 Reform UK Questions
57:33 Nigel’s Question on Bureaucracy
59:00 RUKA1: Charles’s response about reducing bureaucracy.
01:00:00 Question on Bureaucracy
01:00:38 RUKA2: Additional plans for reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
01:02:00 Charles Addresses the Voters
01:02:36: Charles makes his closing appeal to the voters.
01:03:20 Thanks and Wrapping Up01:04:07 End Titles
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, who is also the founder of We Love Hitchin.
Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.
Introduction and Background
The interview kicked off with Matt Porter, the Founder of We Love Hitchin, welcoming Alistair Strathern. Alistair shared insights into his background and explained why he decided to run for this seat. His motivations are rooted in a deep commitment to the community and a desire to bring meaningful change to Hitchin.
Key Issues Discussed
Cost of Living Crisis Alistair addressed the pressing issue of the cost of living crisis, outlining his plans to alleviate economic pressures on Hitchin residents. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable economic environment that supports all citizens.
NHS and Healthcare Healthcare was another major topic. Alistair spoke passionately about his vision for improving NHS services, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and efficient for everyone in the constituency.
Economy Discussing the economy, Alistair highlighted strategies for economic growth and stability. His plans focus on supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities to boost the local economy.
Climate Change and Environment On environmental issues, Alistair shared his approach to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. His vision includes implementing green initiatives and supporting eco-friendly policies.
Crime Alistair also talked about measures to enhance safety and reduce crime in Hitchin. He stressed the need for a robust policing strategy and community engagement to create a safer environment.
Housing Addressing housing issues, Alistair discussed his plans to increase affordable housing and improve living conditions for all residents. He highlighted the importance of providing quality housing to support a thriving community.
Roads Infrastructure and road maintenance were also on the agenda. Alistair outlined his proposals for improving the condition of roads and ensuring better connectivity within Hitchin.
Community Questions
Public Ownership of Water Companies Andrea, a community member, asked about Alistair’s stance on bringing water companies back into public ownership. Alistair expressed his support for this move, emphasizing the importance of keeping essential resources under public control.
AI Safety Martin raised concerns about artificial intelligence and its safe use. Alistair acknowledged the potential risks of AI and advocated for stringent regulations to ensure it is used responsibly.
Gaza War and Palestine Recognition Nyland and Lauren asked about providing assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine as an independent state. Alistair shared his views on international policy and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for a balanced and compassionate approach.
Support for Special Needs Children Vanessa and Nicola, who have special needs children, asked about support for SEN families. Alistair pledged to improve resources and funding for special needs education and social care, aiming to provide better support for these vulnerable families.
Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Alistair Strathern appealed to the voters, highlighting his dedication to representing Hitchin and addressing its key issues. He urged the community to vote for him on the 4th of July, promising to work tirelessly for a fairer and more inclusive future.
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern MP, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
Watch and Listen
Don’t miss the full interview with Alistair Strathern! Watch it on our YouTube channel and listen to the podcast episode available on all major platforms. Your support and engagement help us bring more insightful content and coverage of important local issues.
Stay tuned for more updates and interviews on The Gadget Man and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
There’s more to an investment than the amount of cash that it generates. In the long term, factors like the impact that a given business has on the surrounding world, be it human society or the natural environment, needs to be factored in.
Of course, quantifying these things is a tricky thing to do. That’s why investors are increasingly turning to something called Environmental, Social and Governance.
As you might expect, environmental factors relate to the company’s relationship with the environment. Those which spew out pollution and carve out swathes of forest are going to score poorly. Those which limit their emissions and implement a recycling policy will fare better. We should note that an investment’s overall environmental impact is determined by its wider impact on the supply chain: just because a business isn’t generating emissions on-site doesn’t mean that it can’t be a net emitter, thanks to the materials that it’s bringing in.
What does Social mean in ESG?
A socially-responsible business is one that has a positive impact on the people it comes into contact with. This means not just the employees who constitute the business, but the employees of suppliers, the customers, and the wider community within which the business is sited. Working conditions and health and safety are key determiners of Social performance. But we shouldn’t just think of social factors as the absence of negativity, but as a generator of positivity – an investment which creates job satisfaction is likelier to pay off, all other things being equal, than one that doesn’t.
What does Governance mean in ESG?
If a given company isn’t well governed, then the other two factors aren’t worth much in the long-term. To determine the quality of governance, we might look at the rights afforded to shareholders, the amount that executives are paid, and the availability of opportunities across the organisation.
As time goes on, concern about these factors isn’t going to dissipate – it’s only going to intensify, as consumers and investors look for ways of quantifying all of the factors we’ve mentioned. ESG provides a succinct, though imperfect, way of doing just that.
Watch as a fully-electric Formula E car lined up against a cheetah in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The race was undertaken to highlight the global impact the burning fossil fuels has on the environment and consequently threatens these endangered species.
Both cheetah and Formula E car reach speeds of 60mph in around three seconds. To find out which came out on top, watch the video.
As a Zero-Emissions motorsport, Formula E aims to help provide a solution by being a catalyst for change and help accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and making a cleaner environment for all of us.
Jean-Eric Vergne, Montreal E-Prix race winner and TECHEETAH driver, said: “Both the TECHEETAH Formula-E Team and I want to be part of raising awareness for the wider impact that climate change has on our planet. We do it mostly by showcasing and developing our electric cars across the world throughout the Formula E season, but we wanted to do more outside of the race track. There are only around 7,000 cheetahs still living in the wild and we have a strong desire to raise awareness for the main threats they face, such as illegal trade of cubs for pets, loss of prey due to habitat loss and fragmentation aggravated by climate change. I’m really proud to have participated in this film and stay tuned for some exciting news to come following the documentary.”
There are now just 7,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild. The species is wide-ranging and sparsely distributed and needs large landscapes to survive, making it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation – threats that are exacerbated by a changing climate.
The film was overseen by conservation experts and animal welfare organisations, and is released in partnership with Animal Issues Matter, Cheetah Outreach and Endangered Wildlife Trust.
