Archives: News & Insights

Agri-tech in action: A January round up

January 22, 2026 No Comments

From industry insights to supporting businesses to develop cutting-edge innovation across AI, robotics and automation and CEA, to thought-provoking conversations at events, we share our must-read roundup to keep you ahead of what’s shaping the sector.    Grow Your Own Way with the UK Agri-Tech Centre  This February the UK Agri-Tech Centre is hosting an exciting Growth Week dedicated to helping agri-tech businesses thrive. From exploring the role of agri-tech in the supply chain to uncovering opportunities in international markets, we’ll share insights and practical steps to accelerate your success.  Eager to know what’s coming up?  Running from February 2 – 6, Growth Week combines in-person events, virtual networking and expert-led discussions sessions that address real-world challenges and unlock the potential of agri-tech innovation. Throughout the week you’ll gain access to podcasts, live sessions and networking opportunities with global partners.  Register for Growth Week   Transforming crop management through AI   Fotenix are paving the way for smarter crop management with multispectral imaging and AI that can detect crop stress, pests and disease before they become visible, all without damaging the crop!  The UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported Fotenix’s success through access to facilities like the Vertical Farm Development Centre and Glasshouses, alongside connecting the business with a broad network of robotics companies, manufacturers and researchers. This collaboration and support has helped Fotenix generate valuable data and visibility to strengthen its commercial deployment and create new UK-based jobs.  What’s next? Fotenix are continuing their momentum and driving towards a future where plant-by-plant management becomes the norm.   See Fotenix’s success   FASTA (Food and Agriculture Systems Technology Accelerator) FASTA is a new initiative designed to help innovators scale Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) technologies that support sustainable farming and carbon reduction. Backed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and delivered in partnership with the Carbon Trust, FASTA provides bespoke expert support from key industry stakeholders and investor access to bring tested MRV solutions closer to market.   Registrations for FASTA close 23 January – don’t miss out!  Register for FASTA   Three things we learned at OFC that every agri-tech business needs to know  This year’s message from the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC 26) was that the sector is ready to move beyond ambition and into delivery. For agri-tech businesses, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges around collaboration, value driven adoption and turning insight into action. Helen Brookes, Engagement Director, shares her three takeaways from OFC that matter most if you’re developing, scaling or deploying agri-tech solutions.   Our OFC takeaways for your business   If you are interested in business support or have any questions, contact us at [email protected]  

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Accelerating innovation and growth for your agri-tech business with the UK Agri-Tech Centre

January 21, 2026 No Comments

For businesses driving innovation in agri-tech, accessing the right support can make all the difference. Yet, finding the right expertise, testing environments and end-user insights needed to create viable and scalable solutions is not always straightforward. At the UK Agri-Tech Centre, we help businesses overcome these challenges by providing access to real-world test beds, connecting you with farmers and end-users and building robust evidence needed to drive adoption and attract investment. We offer a range of business support for organisations across the agri-food supply chain, helping you create a strong foundation for growth and accelerate your organisation’s journey. Does your business have a specific innovation challenge to overcome? Alongside our core business support, the following programmes are designed to help you rapidly overcome a defined challenge: FASTA – Supporting Businesses in MRV Technologies FASTA is a new accelerator for organisations ready to scale and commercialise measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) solutions. Backed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and delivered in partnership with the Carbon Trust, the programme provides bespoke expert support from key industry stakeholders and access to investors to bring your tested MRV technologies closer to market. Innovators will gain: Tailored mentorship and technical support from experts at The Carbon Trust Access to the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s validation Capabilities Investor readiness sessions and bespoke pitch coaching A demo day where you’ll showcase your solution to corporates and investors   Registrations close 23 January 2026. Learn more here and register.   Agri-Tech Solution Sprints – Fast-paced innovation sprints Our newest business support programme Agri-Tech Solution Sprints is launching on 9 February. This initiative is designed to help micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to overcome hurdles and progress their agri-tech solutions forward to commercialisation. Agri-Tech Solution Sprints are focused and fast-paced and designed to give you: Clarity and confidence in your next steps Validator assumptions through expert end-user feedback Connections that matter for scaling and investment A clear roadmap to move your innovation forward.   The UK Agri-Tech Centre will work with you to create a bespoke project to support your business to overcome its innovation challenge. If you would like to receive updates about the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints, sign up and find out more here.   Stay connected through the UK Agri-Tech Centre Community In addition to our programmes, the free-to-access Community offers ongoing insights into sector developments, upcoming opportunities, events and connections across the agrifood innovation landscape. If you’d like to explore how the UK Agri-Tech Centre can support your next steps, get in touch at [email protected].  Whether you’re refining a prototype or preparing for market entry, we’re here to help accelerate your innovation journey.

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Join us for Growth Week 2026

January 15, 2026 No Comments

Grow Your Own Way with the UK Agri-Tech Centre. This February 2-6, the UK Agri-Tech Centre invites you to join us for an exciting week dedicated to helping agri-tech businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to scale, export or simply connect with industry leaders, this week is packed with opportunities to learn, network and take your business to the next level. Our Growth Week programme combines in-person events, virtual networking and expert-led discussions designed to tackle the challenges and unlock the potential of agri-tech innovation. From understanding the role of agri-tech in the supply chain to exploring international markets, we’ll provide insights and practical steps to help you succeed. What to expect Throughout the week, you’ll gain access to podcasts, live sessions and networking opportunities with global partners. See below for a snapshot of what’s coming.     Why attend? This is your chance to connect with experts, farmers and agri-tech innovators from the UK and beyond. We’ll explore export strategies, focusing on opportunities in the Middle East and New Zealand and share practical advice on scaling your technology globally. How to sign up Register now for our live virtual networking session on Friday, February 6, 9:30 am – 10:15 am. This event is ideal for agri-tech businesses ready to take the next step toward market success. You’ll meet specialists, discover upcoming support programmes and learn about tools like FASTA for MRV technology businesses. You’ll have the chance to choose between four break-out sessions discussing: Early stage requirement scoping On-farm validation Attracting investors Export readiness   Register online and receive early access to our podcast sessions throughout the week. Spaces for the Dairy Tech networking breakfast are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Gain a first-hand view of the latest dairy innovations coming out of Canada. As part of the Twin Pastures initiative, this networking breakfast brings together Canadian agri‑tech companies and dairy-focused academics hosted by the UK Agri‑Tech Centre, offering you the chance to explore cutting‑edge technologies, fresh research insights and practical developments shaping one of the world’s most progressive dairy sectors. Don’t miss out on building valuable international connections! Register now

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Three things we learned at OFC that every agri-tech business needs to know

January 9, 2026 No Comments

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC 26) has always been a space for big thinking. This year, the message coming through most strongly at #OFC26 was that the sector is ready to move beyond ambition and into delivery. For agri-tech businesses, the shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Here are three key takeaways from OFC that matter most if you’re developing, scaling or deploying agri-tech solutions.    From ambition to implementation – and proving impact One of the strongest signals from OFC was that agriculture is shifting firmly from high-level ambition to practical on-farm action. Sustainability, productivity and resilience are no longer abstract goals. They are priorities that farmers, supply chains and policymakers expect to see delivered in real, measurable ways.  Agri-tech is no longer viewed as a “nice to have”. Instead, it’s increasingly recognised as a core enabler of this transition. For businesses, this means solutions must be ready to work in real-world farming conditions, deliver tangible value quickly and fit within the operational realities of farm businesses.  Through the UK Agri-Tech Centre, we support businesses to do exactly this, helping them access testbeds, connect with farming and generate the evidence needed to support adoption and investment. Implementation, not intention, is what will unlock the next phase of growth. Collaboration is non-negotiable Another strong and consistent message from OFC was that collaboration is no longer optional. Across sessions and discussions, innovation was framed as a shared endeavour, bringing together farmers, technology developers, researchers, investors and policymakers.  This reflects what we see every day: the most successful innovations are those shaped through collaboration from the outset. Co-development, on-farm trials and early adopter engagement not only improve solutions but also help de-risk innovation and accelerate uptake at scale.  Collaboration sits at the heart of how we work at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, bringing businesses together with farmers and the wider agrifood ecosystem. For SMEs, early engagement with partners is often what turns a promising idea into a solution ready for market.  Farmer-led design and clarity of value driven adoption  Finally, OFC reinforced the importance of farmer-led innovation. Adoption will not be driven by technology alone, but by solutions that fit into real farming systems and address real challenges.  Businesses need to clearly articulate the value they deliver: saving time, reducing costs, improving resilience or supporting compliance with evolving market and regulatory expectations. Designing with farmers, rather than for them, remains critical.  At the UK Agri-Tech Centre, industry and farmer engagement is crucial to how we support agri-tech businesses, ensuring technologies are developed and tested with end users in mind. This approach not only improves relevance but builds trust, a vital factor in driving adoption.  Turning insight into action The mood at OFC was pragmatic but positive. There is real momentum behind change, a growing appetite for collaboration and a clear role for agri-tech in delivering the future of UK food and farming.  The challenge now is to turn insight into action. Through specialist test and trial capabilities, a network of experts and strong links with farms across the UK, the UK Agri-Tech Centre supports businesses to test, validate and scale solutions that deliver real on-farm impact. Giving businesses the confidence to move from ambition to implementation.    By Helen Brookes, Engagement Director  If you are interested in business support or have any questions, contact us at [email protected]

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Registration open for UK innovators to benefit from support programme

January 7, 2026 No Comments

A pioneering programme to help UK-based innovators scale the technologies needed to support sustainable farming in the UK opened for registrations today (6 January 2026). Developed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and the Carbon Trust, alongside key industry stakeholders, the Food Agriculture System Technology Accelerator (FASTA) programme launched on 1 December to accelerate the adoption of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems. These MRV systems are vital for agricultural business to make credible sustainability claims and can unlock finance and drive measurable progress towards Net Zero. They provide the data and transparency needed to track emissions, validate impact and guide smarter decisions. This is essential when scaling climate-smart practices, carbon markets or building trust across the value chain. Innovators can register to participate in the FASTA programme from 6-23 January through our website, with bespoke expert support from key industry stakeholders and investor access to bring tested MRV solutions closer to market. If you are a UK innovator with technically viable solutions in one of, but not limited to, the following, we’d like to hear from you: Soil health monitoring Remote sensing and geospatial analytics Environmental emissions monitoring AI-powered decision support systems Carbon footprint and sustainability modelling tools Data aggregation and interoperability platforms Financial platforms Supply chain traceability and verification   Matthew Willis, Senior Manager at the Carbon Trust, said: “FASTA combines industry experience and technical innovation, to deliver scalable, impactful solutions underpinned by robust MRV systems, addressing the challenges of modern farming. We aim to empower innovators and industry leaders to drive meaningful change within the sector.” Paddy Tarbuck, Head of Sustainability at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “FASTA gives innovators the support to scale proven MRV solutions and embed them into real-world supply chains. By accelerating adoption, we’re helping technologies deliver impact at industry level, driving credible sustainability claims and measurable progress towards Net Zero.”   Learn more about FASTA and register

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The intelligent future of farming

December 18, 2025 No Comments

Agriculture is entering a new era where data, automation and real-time intelligence are transforming how we grow food. The shift from reactive farming to fully adaptive ecosystems is accelerating and it’s reshaping productivity, sustainability and profitability.   Intelligent agriculture is no longer just a concept; it’s becoming a reality. Sensors, drones and imaging tools are giving farmers deep insights into crop health and soil conditions, while AI turns that data into precise actions. Robots are stepping in to handle crop-specific tasks like thinning lettuce or harvesting asparagus, easing labour shortages and cutting costs.  As technology advances, farms will become increasingly autonomous. AI models will predict disease before symptoms appear and low-energy computing will bring real-time intelligence straight to the field with no cloud required. Swarms of machines will coordinate across complex terrains, guided by predictive models that anticipate weather, market shifts and environmental stress.  Looking ahead, digital twins will transform farming. Virtual replicas of entire farms will forecast yields, test scenarios and recommend adjustments to maximise output and minimise inputs. Early research shows that digital twins can cut nitrogen use by 20% and predict harvest weeks in advance. Combined with autonomous sowing, irrigation and harvesting, farms will evolve into adaptive ecosystems that need minimal human intervention.    What’s next? This future is about smarter, more sustainable decisions. Intelligent agriculture uses software, sensors, satellites, robotics and AI to turn raw data into field-ready insights. It tackles automation of complex tasks like drilling or harvesting and it supports precision management of irrigation, nutrition and pest control.   Yet adoption still faces barriers: cost and accessibility, technical and operational barriers, regulatory and safety concerns, lack of awareness and expertise, system complexity, interoperability gaps and concerns over data governance and cybersecurity. The next decade must focus on building intuitive tools, accessible analytics and support systems that help farmers integrate these technologies profitably.     Explore the future of arable and horticulture innovation A report from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, “The future of arable and horticulture innovation: Shaping the next 10 years,” outlines a vision for how UK agriculture can harness innovation to build resilience, productivity and sustainability across the next decade.    This report reinforces the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s commitment to supporting agri-tech ventures in developing, testing and commercialising breakthrough technologies through access to expert guidance, strategic partnerships and world-class facilities. By uniting researchers, producers and policymakers, the UK Agri-Tech Centre continues to play a vital role in shaping a sustainable, globally competitive agricultural sector. Download and read the report

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UK Seaweed launch unlocks new growth opportunities

December 16, 2025 No Comments

The UK’s rapidly developing blue economy has reached an important milestone with the formal unveiling of UK Seaweed during the Scottish Seaweed Industry Conference, held in Oban from 11–13 November. Created to bring greater cohesion and visibility to the sector, this new representative organisation is the outcome of extensive groundwork and cross-industry engagement coordinated by the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Its establishment marks a defining moment for both farmed and sustainable wild harvested seaweed in the UK. With global demand for seaweed poised for major expansion, the UK is well placed to establish itself as a leader in sustainable marine crops. Acting as a focal point for growers, processors, researchers and technology innovators, the new body aims to streamline the journey from research to commercial reality. It also intends to become a unified voice for the UK-wide seaweed sector beyond Scotland.   From consultation to collaboration The new organisation emerges after a substantial programme of consultation led by the UK Agri-Tech Centre over the past 18 months. During this period, the UK Agri-Tech Centre engaged with stakeholders from all four nations, ranging from small-scale coastal harvesters in the Highlands to emerging biotech firms in the South West. Through targeted workshops, the UK Agri-Tech Centre identified the need for a single, coordinated entity capable of navigating regulations, raising production standards and attracting sustainable investment. Collaboration with the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) helped refine these priorities, paving the way for this launch. Martin Sutcliffe, Head of Agri-Systems at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The potential of the UK seaweed sector is vast, ranging from sustainable food sources and crop biostimulants to biodegradable packaging and pharmaceuticals. However, potential requires structure to become power and we are incredibly proud to have led the initial work that brought these diverse stakeholders together. By facilitating these critical early conversations, we have helped lay the groundwork for a unified industry voice that is now ready to stand on its own.”   Funding and administration support The launch has been bolstered by major funding from WWF-UK through its ‘Unlocking the Power of Seaweed’ Project, supported by The National Lottery Climate Action Fund, a reflection of the sector’s environmental importance. Seaweed cultivation offers a regenerative model for aquaculture, capable of capturing nutrients, supporting marine biodiversity and providing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers. Fran Batt, Seaweed Solutions Senior Project Manager at WWF-UK, said: “WWF is delighted to provide funding support for the establishment of this body. Seaweed farming presents a unique opportunity to develop a thriving industry that works with our oceans, not against them. Supporting this representative body ensures that sustainability is baked into the DNA of the UK’s seaweed sector as it scales up.” Sophie Wood, Programme Manager at UK Seaweed, added: “The UK’s seaweed industry is uniquely placed to strengthen the UK’s commitment to restoring marine ecosystems while supporting local jobs and sustainable growth. UK Seaweed will support the sector as it expands – demonstrating that economic success and environmental stewardship can, and should, go hand in hand”. To ensure the organisation is fully operational from the outset, Seaweed Scotland has been appointed to oversee administration and secretariat duties. Their established networks and extensive experience supporting the Scottish industry will shape the body’s early structure and priorities. Rhianna Rees, CEO at Seaweed Scotland, said: “We are honoured to move this UK-wide initiative into action. While our roots are in Scotland, the challenges and opportunities we face: licensing, supply chain infrastructure and market access are shared across the UK. With the backing of the UK Agri-Tech Centre and WWF-UK, we are ready to drive the sector forward.”   An ongoing partnership Although UK Seaweed will function independently, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will remain a strategic collaborator. Future joint work will focus on accelerating technical innovation, using the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s strengths in engineering, precision agriculture and data-driven solutions to tackle barriers such as harvesting mechanisation and improved processing systems. Martin Sutcliffe explained: “This is not a departure for the UK Agri-Tech Centre, but an evolution of our role. We are moving from conveners to more of an advisory role. We look forward to working side-by-side with the new organisation to inject agri-tech innovation into the marine environment, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of the global seaweed revolution.” Operations for the new body will formally begin in early 2026, with initial priorities including the development of a national growth roadmap and initiating discussions with the government on marine licensing reform. For further information about the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s work, get in touch at [email protected].

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Agri-tech in action: A November roundup

December 12, 2025 No Comments

From industry insights to supporting businesses to develop cutting-edge innovation across AI, robotics and automation and CEA, to thought-provoking conversations at events, we share our must-read roundup to keep you ahead of what’s shaping the sector. Grow Your Own Way The UK Agri-Tech Centre has launched a bold new campaign spotlighting trailblazing agri-tech companies that are reshaping the future of farming. ‘Grow Your Own Way: We mean business when it comes to agri-tech’ showcases cutting-edge technologies, from robotics and AI to advanced sensing and Controlled Environment Agriculture and the role we play in helping businesses scale. The key highlight? Growth Week, running 2–6 February 2026, with virtual and in-person sessions designed to help agri-tech innovators overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities. Register for Growth Week     FASTA (Food and Agriculture Systems Technology Accelerator) FASTA is a new initiative designed to help innovators scale Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) technologies that support sustainable farming and carbon reduction. Backed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and delivered with the Carbon Trust, FASTA seeks disruptive, scalable MRV solutions that can transform how emissions and sustainability performance are measured and verified across UK food and farming. If your technology supports transparent, data-led decarbonisation and empowers producers to engage in low-carbon supply chains, this programme is for you.   Sign up to stay informed     Farming Smarter docuseries Coming soon! Farming Smarter is a five-part YouTube docuseries following Somerset farmers Rob Adicott and Jeremy Padfield as they tackle soil health, biodiversity and climate challenges head-on. Produced with the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, the series reveals how practical agri-tech solutions and collaborative trials can help farmers build resilience and reduce environmental impact. Keep an eye out to get a first look at this exciting project.   Opportunities for innovators: Breaking down the Crop Report In our latest podcast episode, Dr Harry Langford and Dr Alex McCormack unpack ‘The future of arable and horticulture innovation’ report —exploring challenges, opportunities and emerging trends shaping UK crop production. Listen now         If you have any questions or queries, contact us at [email protected]

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