WORCESTERSHIRE businesses representatives attended a lively discussion on the future of the local agritech and agrifood industry.

Nearly 60 businesses and partners attended the Agritech and Agrifood Industry event at Pershore College on Wednesday.

The event brought together leading figures from business, government departments and education to discuss the current industry issues and opportunities for growth within the agritech and agrifood sector. Some of the key themes discussed at the event ranged from the impact of Brexit to the importance of technological implementation and promoting the county’s ‘hidden’ success stories.

The event was hosted by WCG Worcestershire in partnership with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Worcestershire Business Central, Agri Tech West and Worcestershire Food and Drink Association.

Steve Corby, Kanes Foods' chief executive spoke, before thosein attendance heard about the direction of the county’s agri sector from Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP. The event then focused on the new and existing support available to businesses from Rose Judeh-Elwell of Agri Tech West, Helen Cameron of Worcestershire Food and Drink Association and Professor Roy Kennedy of Pershore College.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome a good number of leading figures from the agritech industry to the round table event. We are always keen to hear from Worcestershire’s business community about their barriers and opportunities to grow and this event has provided us with some interesting ideas.”

Roy Kennedy, professor in Agri-Tech research and development at Pershore College, added: “The key now is for us all to work together - employers, schools, local government and colleges - to make sure our young people see food production as an exciting career."