Innovation in farming will be showcased at the Devon County Show at Westpoint this week (18-20 May) and Devon County Council will be highlighting the part it’s playing to help support the future of agriculture.

The Innovation Avenue at the show will feature two of Devon County Council’s farming projects, Future Farming Resilience and Devon Agri-Tech Alliance, and it has also brought together a number of pioneering businesses to feature their work at Stand 178 on Avenue B.

The County Council will be hosting several innovative agricultural businesses who will be showcasing their industry leading work. They include:

- Taw Valley Microgreens: This North Devon company supplies fresh microgreens, produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

- How Now Dairy: Based in South Devon, it is the first carbon negative dairy and milk delivery in the UK. It is also the only dairy in the UK to use 100% compostable packaging.

- Rothamsted Research: The North Wyke Farm Platform, based in Okehampton, is a unique national and global research facility studying the flow of nutrients from soil to food, with the aim of making farming a more sustainable endeavour.

- Pollenize: A pollinator conservation CIC based in Plymouth. Pollenize delivers nature-led remedies to help pollinating insects recover so our environment can flourish.

- Hillside Product Design: Product design consultancy based in Teignmouth which guides clients from the initial concept to a marketplace-ready product, including agri-tech.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: 'Devon is home to many innovative and creative businesses in the agriculture sector, so the Devon County Show is a great opportunity for them to shout about the great work they’re doing.

'We’re delighted to be joined by many like-minded businesses and supporters, including many based in the county, that cover a range of vital goals from decarbonisation and sustainability to biodiversity and pioneering design.'

There will also be a number of workshops and interactive activities throughout each day.

For anyone wanting to find out more about the changes being brought about by the reduction in Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments before they cease in 2027, Business Information Point (BIP) will be running the successful Future Farming Resilience workshops at 11:30am and 2:30pm on Thursday 18 May and Friday 19 May.

Other workshops include:

Alliance: 9.30am–10am everyday 'Intro to Alliance and cuppa'.

Taw Valley: 3pm–3.30pm everyday for 'Grow your own'.

The Sustainable Business Resource: 10am–10.30am 'Farming Carbon' on Thursday, 'Decarbonising Devon' on Friday and “BMX Race” on Saturday.