Prince Charles has given his seal of approval to an innovative new Gloucestershire centre to develop and grow rural and agritech businesses.

Some 200 people braved the sweltering conditions to attend the official opening of the Alliston Centre at the Royal Agricultural University's (RAU)Cirencester campus.

It was the culmination of a £4.2 million project which will see two thirds of the building used by Farm491, the university's expanding agritech innovation and incubation hub, with the remainder home to Cirencester's Growth Hub for businesses.

The building has been named after the late Professor John Alliston, who worked at the university and was a highly respected figure in the world of agriculture. His family took part in the unveiling of a plaque.

A quick #sneakpeek of behind the scenes at the Alliston Centre this morning! #cirencester #business #agritech #local @growthhubciren pic.twitter.com/tyolR8TbqD

— Farm491 (@Farm491) July 26, 2018

In a pre-recorded video message, Prince Charles, the RAU's president, praised the university's work to advance the agritech sector.

"I am looking forward to seeing the progress of the businesses supported by the Alliston Centre," said Prince Charles. "It is named after a man who dedicated his life to farming.

"He also made important contributions towards developing the professionalism of British farming and to the reputation of the Royal Agricultural University."

A ringing endorsement for @Farm491 from HRH The Prince of Wales! #Agribusiness #innovation @RoyalFamily @GFirstLEP @RoyalAgUni #localgrowth pic.twitter.com/Gu8HWw3V4G

— Katie Jenkins (@liljenko) July 26, 2018

Professor Alliston had recognised the business skills that young farmers would increasingly require.

"Giving our guardians of the land the knowledge to adapt and develop their businesses to ensure commercial viability while at the same time protecting and enhancing nature's capacity to sustain us all on a finite planet is of crucial importance," said Prince Charles.

"I know that Professor Alliston's spirit will live on here in the centre through important work to support innovation in agriculture, rural enterprise and local businesses."

Stunning building @Farm491 @growthhubciren for opening day and supported by HRH #growth #hmgovernment pic.twitter.com/TghjxCylk3

— David Owen (@CEOGFirst) July 26, 2018

RAU Vice Chancellor Professor Joanna Price said: "Innovation has always been at the heart of the RAU. This is going to make a huge difference to our students. It will enable them to move closer to business."

David Owen, chief executive of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, which runs the Growth Hubs for businesses in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire said: "This county can have a leading role nationally, and potentially internationally, in developing the next generation of agritechnology which is going to offer food security and great agriculture and increased productivity."

The Growth Hubs which GFirst LEP is now opening up around the county would provide first class business advice and support.

"I look forward to seeing a host of new businesses and new opportunities coming out of this building and adding real value into Gloucestershire's economy and into UKplc," said Mr Owen

President of the NFU in England and Wales, Minette Batters said: "Tech and innovation is going to drive seismic change, not only for us as farmers but also for consumers as well.

"If you want to deliver a green Brexit it has to be tech focused. It is about smarter farming and producing more because we are smarter.

"What you have achieved here is truly inspirational at a time when it is needed more than ever."

The Alliston Centre, named after Prof John Alliston who influenced thousands of students, is officially open! Thanks to everyone who came to visit our new home for @farm491 and @growthhubciren enterprises. pic.twitter.com/rlYvrfh3mF

— Royal Ag Uni (@RoyalAgUni) July 26, 2018