Farm 491 Farm491 move AgriTech season online in response to Covid-19 restrictions

Farm491, the AgriTech incubator based at the Royal Agricultural University, has adapted its season of events exploring the future of British Farming to comply with the UK’s Covid-19 social distancing measures. The organisation has developed a programme of webinars throughout April, many of which will be available to everyone, with a few select online events being held exclusively for its members.

Farm491 had begun its AgriTech season in January with a seminar on sustainable agriculture, Ruralink’s Rural Career Insight Day, a free workshop for AgriTech entrepreneurs and a presentation from TBAT Innovation on funding. The season was to conclude with their main showcase event on the 2nd April at their workshop space in Cirencester, but the organisers were forced to cancel the event following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The webinars will offer support around specific topics, with an opportunity to ask top professionals questions including IP experts and employment law specialists. National law firm Ashfords will be hosting two webinars exclusive to Farm491 members on trading in difficult circumstances and employment law around Covid-19. There will be sessions available to all on inspiring AgriTech innovations on the 6th, 7th 22nd and 23rd April. The Innovation Beehive will be hosting three webinars looking at insights for Agri innovation and on the 27th April, Marbles PR will give social media tips with some useful do’s and don’ts.

Sarah Carr, Farm491’s Innovation Specialist, said that Farm491 wanted to offer to support as widely as possible during this challenging time. She said, “Businesses across the UK are facing unprecedented times. Whether they are fearing for the future of their business or facing increased demand, we have all had to adapt quickly. Although we are heartbroken to have to cancel one of our biggest events of the year, we are using the months ahead to support businesses virtually as best we can. For some entrepreneurs the next few weeks will be a time to pause and refocus, gain some new skills and insight, and be armed with the knowledge to become stronger.”