CHAP on tour highlights the importance of agri-tech innovation

The team exhibited at both Groundswell in Hertfordshire and Cereals in Lincolnshire, speaking to a wide range of visitors from farmers and agronomists to researchers and entrepreneurs.

Groundswell, known as the regenerative agriculture show and conference, focused on the theory and practical application of conservation agriculture. This included topics such as cover cropping, the use of livestock grazing, how to maximise soil health and the benefits of no-till systems.

The CHAP team was able to share news of its own regenerative agriculture-related capabilities, with updates from the Soil Health Facility at Cranfield University, National Reference Collection at CABI and strip-till machinery at Stockbridge Technology Centre.

CHAP Strategic Marketing Manager, Janine Heath, said: “Much of CHAP’s work is closely aligned with the concept of regenerative or conservation agriculture. Whether that’s maximising soil health or reducing chemical inputs, we aim to provide the solutions, networks and expertise needed to further enhance sustainable farming practices.

“After more than a year of online meetings, seminars and workshops, it was encouraging to share all of our great news with the wider agricultural industry, and for it to be so well received at Groundswell.”

Next in the calendar was arable event Cereals, where CHAP was not only an exhibitor and sponsor, but an invited seminar presenter too.

Scientific Support Coordinator, Dr Alex McCormack, was asked to speak in the New Era, Markets, Diversification and Innovation Theatre. The session brought together CHAP, Agrimetrics and Agri-EPI to provide an update on the latest technologies and innovations emerging through their partnerships and networks.

Dr McCormack spoke about CHAP’s involvement in the development of a new biopesticide to control cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape, as well as SlugBot, an autonomous slug monitoring and treatment system.

Also at Cereals was one of CHAP’s mobile laboratories, hired by CHAP member and global agrochemical company UPL Ltd to showcase some of the manufacturer’s new seed treatment products.

Janine added: “As one of our members, we were pleased to be able to assist UPL with their attendance at Cereals with one of our mobile laboratories.

“This, plus Dr McCormack’s presentation and our sponsorship, meant it was a fulfilling outreach event for us, taking a proactive approach to attendance at the show.”

CHAP on tour continues next week when the team visits Fruit for the Future at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee.

All events were attended in accordance with social distancing guidance at the time of occurrence.

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