Royal Agricultural University - Agritech Survey

[ollithomas]

https://rau.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/the-challenges-facing-agritech-innovation

As you will know, the development of Agritech innovation is fundamental to addressing crucial global environmental and socio-ethical problems.

We are keen to assess the current state of the UK Agritech industry and the challenges it must overcome to flourish. We would be extremely grateful if you could spare a little time to complete this survey (via clicking the link above) so that we may ascertain views from across this nascent industry.

This should take no more than 10 minutes. Time is running out as the survey closes on 11th September so please don't delay.

Please be assured that all information that you submit will remain anonymous, confidential and will be disposed of once the findings are complete. No initial data will be shared with any third parties.

If you would like a copy of the report when it is complete, please enter your preferred email where prompted at the end of the survey. This will be held separately of the data inputted and this mailing list will also be destroyed once delivery is complete.

Thank you again for your kind assistance with this.

Kind regards

Olli Thomas BA Hons MA
MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation
The Royal Agricultural University

 

[JP1]

Done

 

[uztrac]

Actioned

 

[Cropper]

https://rau.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/the-challenges-facing-agritech-innovation

As you will know, the development of Agritech innovation is fundamental to addressing crucial global environmental and socio-ethical problems.

Actually I don’t even know what this means, and if I did I might not agree with it

 

[ollithomas]

Actually I don’t even know what this means, and if I did I might not agree with it

This is an option in the survey. All opinions are equally valid. If people in agriculture don't understand Agritech that is clearly a failing in the industry that needs to be addressed! Please complete the survey so that your opinion can be included.

 

[Steevo]

Actually I don’t even know what this means, and if I did I might not agree with it

I think it academic speak for improving technology in agriculture is needed for improving environment worldwide, and increasing the ability to "feed the world".

I'm not sure I'd agree.....I'd suggest that agricultural profitability is far more effective at doing so. A profitable farm will likely leave more field corners to nature as it's not worth his while messing around cropping every square inch for the additional gain. Agricultural technology however is just driving up machinery costs further, giving farms a greater struggle year on year.

 

[ollithomas]

I think it academic speak for improving technology in agriculture is needed for improving environment worldwide, and increasing the ability to "feed the world".

I'm not sure I'd agree.....I'd suggest that agricultural profitability is far more effective at doing so. A profitable farm will likely leave more field corners to nature as it's not worth his while messing around cropping every square inch for the additional gain. Agricultural technology however is just driving up machinery costs further, giving farms a greater struggle year on year.

These are clearly very legitimate concerns. If there is a disconnect between research and the real world, we need to look at why. Please complete the survey so that this can be examined. Perhaps a better case needs to be made for increased profitability through the adoption of new tech and also how support can be reviewed to encourage this?

 

[Steevo]

These are clearly very legitimate concerns. If there is a disconnect between research and the real world, we need to look at why. Please complete the survey so that this can be examined. Perhaps a better case needs to be made for increased profitability through the adoption of new tech and also how support can be reviewed to encourage this?

A bit issue is manufacturers/breeders/large companies manage the margins. Marketing "sells" the idea this new fangled technology (or seed variety, or seed treatment etc.) to farmers as being more efficient, yet the price tag goes up by a similar amount thus the farmer is actually no better off, just turning over larger numbers for a smaller profit margin.

Much also is driven by regulation also driving up cost for farmers (urea inhibitors if they became law) or manufacturers (tier 4 engines etc) but add nothing to the bottom line.

The more complicated something becomes, the less profitable it is for the farmer.....but the more profitable it is for all the others in the chain as it creates further niches for each company to make a buck.



EDIT: I would also say that RAU seem to be pushing it with their new "Agritech hub" to make their courses sound trendy and up to date to attract students. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for modernising the industry.....but often this happens when there is spare profit around automatically as demand led innovation.

 

[ollithomas]

A bit issue is manufacturers/breeders/large companies manage the margins. Marketing "sells" the idea this new fangled technology (or seed variety, or seed treatment etc.) to farmers as being more efficient, yet the price tag goes up by a similar amount thus the farmer is actually no better off, just turning over larger numbers for a smaller profit margin.

Much also is driven by regulation also driving up cost for farmers (urea inhibitors if they became law) or manufacturers (tier 4 engines etc) but add nothing to the bottom line.

The more complicated something becomes, the less profitable it is for the farmer.....but the more profitable it is for all the others in the chain as it creates further niches for each company to make a buck.

 

[ollithomas]

This is excellent feedback. Please ensure you can add to the survey.

 

[Still Farming]

Done

 

[Steevo]

This is excellent feedback. Please ensure you can add to the survey.

I just tried the survey but got lost halfway through....




Which of the following best describes your Agritech related activities?
From the options below how would you best describe yourself? Required
Agritech Business

Agritech Investor

Agritech Support Service or Research Provider
Other




I'd say none of the above - thus "other" but that almost makes me feel the survey isn't aimed at me.



Next question:


Which of these descriptions best describes your involvement with Agritech? Required
Banking
Agritech Business Growth Hub
Academic or Researcher
Other



Same comment as above applies. It almost suggests that farmers aren't even considered stakeholders in this....which I guess reinforces the view that the Agritech innovation is being pushed by the supply industry looking to "sell" the idea and profit from it, rather than demand led because there is a need for it. The reason it isn't demand led is because there isn't the ability for farmers to profit from it themselves to the same extent as the supply industry. A bit like "Dreams recommend you should change your mattress every 8 years"......actually means "if we can convince you to chuck out your perfectly good mattress after 8 years, you'll buy a new one rather than realising there's nothing wrong with your perfectly good mattress".

 

[Still Farming]

I just tried the survey but got lost halfway through....




Which of the following best describes your Agritech related activities?
From the options below how would you best describe yourself? Required
Agritech Business

Agritech Investor

Agritech Support Service or Research Provider
Other




I'd say none of the above - thus "other" but that almost makes me feel the survey isn't aimed at me.



Next question:


Which of these descriptions best describes your involvement with Agritech? Required
Banking
Agritech Business Growth Hub
Academic or Researcher
Other



Same comment as above applies. It almost suggests that farmers aren't even considered stakeholders in this....which I guess reinforces the view that the Agritech innovation is being pushed by the supply industry looking to "sell" the idea and profit from it, rather than demand led because there is a need for it. The reason it isn't demand led is because there isn't the ability for farmers to profit from it themselves to the same extent as the supply industry. A bit like "Dreams recommend you should change your mattress every 8 years"......actually means "if we can convince you to chuck out your perfectly good mattress after 8 years, you'll buy a new one rather than realising there's nothing wrong with your perfectly good mattress".

If your buying anything your an investor?

 

[PostHarvest]

I feel that it would have been useful to define what you mean by Agritech at the outset. As it is you are asking for opinions on a nebulous "thing" until about the 20th question when you list some of the subjects that you consider Agritech. I feel the disconnect between academics and the industry is a major problem - each appears to operate in their own bubble with minimal communication.

 

[ollithomas]

If your buying anything your an investor?

I agree with both your sentiments. I have a

I just tried the survey but got lost halfway through....




Which of the following best describes your Agritech related activities?
From the options below how would you best describe yourself? Required
Agritech Business

Agritech Investor

Agritech Support Service or Research Provider
Other




I'd say none of the above - thus "other" but that almost makes me feel the survey isn't aimed at me.



Next question:


Which of these descriptions best describes your involvement with Agritech? Required
Banking
Agritech Business Growth Hub
Academic or Researcher
Other



Same comment as above applies. It almost suggests that farmers aren't even considered stakeholders in this....which I guess reinforces the view that the Agritech innovation is being pushed by the supply industry looking to "sell" the idea and profit from it, rather than demand led because there is a need for it. The reason it isn't demand led is because there isn't the ability for farmers to profit from it themselves to the same extent as the supply industry. A bit like "Dreams recommend you should change your mattress every 8 years"......actually means "if we can convince you to chuck out your perfectly good mattress after 8 years, you'll buy a new one rather than realising there's nothing wrong with your perfectly good mattress".

I have adjusted the survey so that it offers you a better option. Please don't give up on it. You clearly have some strong and important opinions.

 

[ollithomas]

I feel that it would have been useful to define what you mean by Agritech at the outset. As it is you are asking for opinions on a nebulous "thing" until about the 20th question when you list some of the subjects that you consider Agritech. I feel the disconnect between academics and the industry is a major problem - each appears to operate in their own bubble with minimal communication.

The goal of the survey is to identify such disconnects so that we can improve communication. Personally I agree with you but I need you to complete the survey so that recommendations as to how to improve the situation can be made.

 

[Hampton]

What is Agritech?
I’m sure you know what you think it means, but I would like to know specifically what you think it means?

Bayer, basf, syngenta, Monsanto, John Deere, agco, Lely, fullwood, Dow elanco among many, many others have brought technology into Agriculture for many decades. Is this not farmers embracing agritech or are you referring to areas such as big data?

 

[Still Farming]

Hope dont effect completed surveys.

 

[DRC]

I’ve done it. Do you work with farm 491, based at the uni

 

[ollithomas]

Hope dont effect completed surveys.

Just a small tweak to make it more relevant for a greater audience. It is important everyone gets a say. I hope you will agree.