Irish Agritech Thriving at the Ploughing Championships: A Look at the Future of Farming
The 2024 National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois, Ireland, saw a wave of innovation sweeping through the Irish agritech sector. The annual event, now in its 92nd year, has become a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed to revolutionize the future of farming. This year’s winners included a bovine monitoring tool, a system to reduce slurry emissions, and a way to grow potatoes faster.
Emerging Technologies Transforming Irish Agriculture
Reap Interactive, a Roscommon-based company, took home the coveted Start-Up Innovator of the Year award and a €10,000 prize for their livestock management solution, BovinePlus. This innovative technology utilizes AI and image analysis to track each animal individually, providing real-time data on weight, health, and water intake. This individual animal monitoring allows farmers to identify underperforming animals and optimize feed efficiency, ultimately boosting profitability and promoting sustainable livestock management.
Individual Animal Monitoring for Improved Efficiency and Sustainability
BovinePlus goes beyond traditional herd averages, providing granular insights into each animal's performance. “You’re not looking at herd average, you’re looking at every one of them individually so that they’re being reared in the most efficient manner possible and that has a knock-on environmental impact,” said Kieran Supple, founder of Reap Interactive, earlier this year. BovinePlus is currently being used on farms in Ireland, and the company plans to expand into England, Europe, and the US, backed by a €1m investment from Enterprise Ireland and a private equity investor.
Beyond BovinePlus: A Spotlight on Other Innovations
Other winners at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards included EASYFIX, which secured the ‘Green Impact’ Award for their revolutionary slurry treatment technology, ‘ePulse’. This system aims to revolutionize slurry management by employing an electro-photomagnetic treatment that stimulates natural microbial activity, reducing ammonia and methane emissions without the need for chemicals or additives. This eco-friendly approach has the potential to transform slurry management on farms worldwide.
The Agritech Landscape in Ireland
The Irish agritech sector continues to flourish, with over 4,700 people employed in the industry. Enterprise Ireland supports approximately 130 agritech companies, fostering innovation in areas such as smart farming solutions, farm equipment, livestock handling, crop cultivation, and animal health. These Irish-owned companies generated almost €1.6bn in sales in 2023, with exports accounting for a significant €1bn.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Agritech Sector
While Irish agritech is making great strides, there are still challenges to overcome. One key issue is the reluctance of some farmers to adopt new technologies. Farmers, often operating on tight margins, may be hesitant to invest in new technologies, even if they can improve efficiency in the long run. Hennessy, chair of Agtech Ireland, highlights the need to educate farmers on the benefits of agritech and to provide hands-on training to facilitate easier implementation.
Investing in the Future: The Role of Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland plays a vital role in supporting Irish agritech companies, providing funding, mentorship, and access to international markets. The organization is committed to helping Irish entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses globally. The Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships is a key platform for connecting Irish agritech companies with international buyers. This year, 80 international agritech buyers from 20 global markets attended the event to explore the latest innovations from Irish companies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Irish Agritech
The success of Irish agritech companies at the National Ploughing Championships reflects the vibrant innovation taking place within the sector. The awards highlight the ingenuity and commitment of Irish entrepreneurs to developing solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the agriculture industry. As the sector continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking innovations emerging from Ireland in the years to come.
Conclusion: A Green Revolution in the Making
The Irish agritech sector is on the cusp of a revolution. With cutting-edge technologies like BovinePlus and ePulse, Irish farmers are equipped to embrace a more sustainable and profitable future. The commitment from organizations like Enterprise Ireland and the enthusiasm of Irish entrepreneurs ensure that the sector will continue to thrive and lead the way in agricultural innovation on a global scale.
