Jul 10: Delegates Invited to Brussels Agri-Tech Event

PRESS RELEASE (JULY 2010)

Delegates Invited to Brussels Agri-Tech Event

MAJOR EU partnership event is set to help the West Midlands agri-technology sector, thanks to the work of Coventry-based International Agri-Technology Centre (IATC).

"IATC is calling for West Midlands participants for a major brokerage event in Brussels this September," said the IATC's new EU project development officer, Stefanos Karterakis.

"Building on our recent success with similar events, we will be taking a delegation to this prestigious EU forum, which will have participants from all over the world."

Agri-technology embraces high-tech and high-innovation research and business working through the entire food supply chain. The sector includes sustainable agriculture, food packaging and processing, as well as logistics and retail.

"This is a particularly exciting opportunity for the West Midlands agri- technology sector," added Mr Karterakis, who is based in the West Midlands in Europe office in Brussels.

"Not only will there be the chance for some useful networking but, importantly, participants will be asked to present project ideas, with the aim of finding partner organisations and setting up consortia, as well as applying for top-level EU funding.

"With increasing focus on food security and sustainability, agri-technology is viewed by the EU as a big priority and is supported by a number of funds worth millions of Euros."

"Our role at IATC is to identify suitable programmes and present them to the region's agri-technology sector.

“We are already opening Brussels up to businesses in the region, unblocking the channels which lead to funding opportunities and helping the sector find new export markets."

The EU's September brokerage event will focus on innovative ideas in bio- technology, agriculture, food and biotechnology, which promote competitiveness and entrepreneurship, sustainability, energy efficiency, healthy nutrition and food safety.

Projects could receive significant financial support, often exceeding 75 per cent of the foreseen budget. Its objective is to bring together research stakeholders from both public and private sectors from the EU and non- EU countries, together with EU Commission Officers.

"The current economic climate is making everyone watch their spending," said IATC's client relationship co-ordinator, Katy Willmont.

"But the agri-technology sector can't afford to stagnate, so this is the time to be looking for other opportunities and funding sources.

“We are often told by UK companies that they don't know how to access EU funding but that's exactly what we're here for - to try and unravel the red tape. We'll identify the opportunities, such as the September event in Brussels, and suggest potential business and research partners. We can also have experts who can give practical help with writing applications for funding."

Universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, local authorities and other organisations interested in joining the IATC delegation should contact IATC's Ms Willmont at katyw@iatc.org.uk or 02476 323968.

The IATC is contracted by Advantage West Midlands and UK Trade & Investment to promote and support the UK's agri-technology industry and developing its international trade potential.

For further information about international opportunities, visit the IATC website, www.theiatc.org

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3 July 2010