Eagle Labs AgriTech supports growing relationships within the supply chain with a soil health event
At Eagle Labs AgriTech we are focussed on connecting the food supply chain, integrating innovative solutions to solve some of the current gaps and weak points.
22 March 2023 • 3 minute read

At a recent event, hosted by our partners University of Lincoln at the Riseholme Campus, we brought some of our larger Barclays food processing connections from the region together with our founder network to discuss the importance of soil health management and the high-tech solutions being created.
James Hague, Barclays Corporate Relationship Director for food and drink manufacturing described the purpose of the event- “with a fresh produce sector facing the largest permacrisis since the second world war, a growing population and increased scrutiny on sustainable production techniques, UK food security is challenged and without robust soil health to grow essential products then we lose the ability to protect the high-quality production in the UK. Bringing academia and sector experts together with corporates and innovators helps to debate and network on the importance of soil health in and around the East Anglia and Lincolnshire region and areas to focus and develop for the future.”
The morning involved a hands-on demonstration with attendees getting to see soils which had been pre-prepared showing the difference irrigation, cover crops and artificial fertiliser made to the growth of crops. This demonstrated the environmental and financial benefits of looking after soil whilst also giving an opportunity for our founder network to showcase the benefits of their solutions.
Iain Gould, Associate Professor in soil science from Lincoln institute for agri-food technology, Paul Ward, local agronomist and technologist, and Richard Glass, Innovation Sector Lead at CHAP shared their academic expertise with the group.
Paul Ward told the attendees “The global climate is changing; the global population is growing. To continue to produce food we need in a more dynamic environment, we will require more regenerative environmentally sympathetic production methods which also encompass the principles of mixed farming.”
Richard Glass followed up with advice to producers and processors around R&D and funding opportunities, showcasing the support available to improve productivity and future resilience of the sector.
Following a Q&A in which regenerative farming, organic models and biotech were discussed the event concluded with the opportunity for our founders to network and showcase their products with some of the regions largest food processors.
Andrej Porovic, founder of PES Technologies said “We really enjoyed the event. It’s great to see so many passionate businesses interested in improving soil health, and it was a great way for us to be introduced to them and make contacts we hope will lead to fruitful commercial discussions”
James Hague, Barclays Corporate Relationship Director for food and drink manufacturing commented “I found the event a very thought provoking session with a good interactive insight to soil quality and needs, enhanced by time spent with innovators delivering solutions to enhance soil quality outcomes in the UK. The clients that attended made new contacts which is always a good outcome for us having aimed to bring all parties together to debate this important topic across the Agri and food sector.”
James Trotman, AgriTech lead for Eagle Labs explains, “At Eagle Labs we are focussed on driving connectivity across the food supply chain to develop a safe, sustainable and efficient model fit for the future. Events such as this, where we have engagement from the banks food processing clients and innovative ecosystem show the power of networking and ideation, working together to understand the current issues in the sector and encouraging fresh solutions. It was fantastic to host such an engaged group and we look forward to hearing how the connections made develop in the coming months”
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