A UNIVERSITY has launched a new online portal to support agricultural businesses. 

Hartpury Agriculture, part of Hartpury University and College based in Gloucestershire, has launched a new digital resource. 

A key feature of the portal is the Hartpury's Digital Skills Hub, which is funded by the local skills improvement fund (LSIF). The hub connects users with the Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre, career advisors, and a learning section, which is to be used by Hartpury College’s agriculture education team.

The Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre will use the portal to provide access to online learning materials including webinars, toolkits, presentations, guides and videos. The material will focus on how digital solutions and data can support business planning, diversification, marketing and decision making. 

Ben Thompson, head of projects and business engagement at Hartpury, said: "We are thrilled to unveil our latest milestone – offering an online format to our services. The portal marks a significant stride forward in Hartpury’s plans, offering flexibility to all our members and wider stakeholders to engage with, and benefit from, our work - no matter their location.”

Access to the portal is free to members of Hartpury’s Tech Box Park. The portal will offer users access to forums and links to latest updates from the agri-food industry. 

The portal also includes a bespoke dashboard which will allow members to schedule meetings with Hartpury academics and experts for consultations, workshops, and expertise sharing.