News & Insights Archive

Advancing climate‑smart agriculture with Crop Intellect

March 5, 2026 No Comments

As climate change intensifies and global food systems face mounting pressure, the need for practical, scalable agricultural innovation has never been greater. For Crop Intellect Ltd, a UK-based agri‑tech business pioneering transformative solutions for sustainable crop production, international collaboration is central to turning climate ambition into on‑farm reality. Their recent mission to Ghana, delivered in partnership with the UK Agri‑Tech Centre, the University of Ghana and Indigo Ag (Brazil), marks a significant milestone in this journey. Crop Intellect is best known for its flagship photocatalytic technology, R-Leaf®, a breakthrough solution designed to convert air pollutants (NOx gases) into usable nitrate for crops, whilst simultaneously removing nitrous oxide (N₂O – one of the most potent greenhouse gases) from the atmosphere. This dual benefit supports both emissions reduction and improved crop nutrition, offering farmers a pathway to productivity that is less reliant on synthetic nitrogen inputs. Founder and CEO Dr Apostolos (Tolis) Papadopoulos leads the development and commercialisation of the technology. As he explains: “Climate-smart agriculture will require practical technologies that farmers can adopt without disrupting production. Our work focuses on providing solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop productivity and offering additional income to the farmers. The engagement supported by the UK Agri-Tech Centre has been extremely valuable in connecting UK innovation with international agricultural partners and demonstrating how collaborative approaches can accelerate the transition to more sustainable farming systems.” Driving impact in Ghana Following the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s successful DATA-BEE mission in 2025, funding was secured for the ‘Climate-Smart Maize Initiative’ project, a UK-Brazil-Ghana collaboration addressing climate challenges in farming. Selected under the Innovate UK Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnership Innovation Awards, the project brings together Crop Intellect, the UK Agri-Tech Centre, the University of Ghana and Indigo Ag (Brazil). This trilateral programme enables UK innovators to collaborate with countries facing acute agricultural and climate challenges, fostering reciprocal knowledge exchange and opening pathways for sustainable development. For Crop Intellect, the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s coordination and international networks were instrumental. The Centre delivered a full programme in Ghana, including two capacity-filled dissemination events in Accra, where stakeholders from across the agricultural ecosystem gathered to explore the potential of R‑Leaf®. James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre said: “During our recent visit to Ghana, we had an excellent turn out for our dissemination events – a strong reflection of the interest and engagement across the sector. The requirement and ambition are clearly present. The next step is sustained collaboration, innovation and targeted investment to scale climate-smart solutions that deliver real impact for farmers and strengthen national resilience. We’re pleased to play a part in this progress and look forward to building on the partnerships developed during our time on the ground.” The dissemination forums, hosted at the British High Commission, brought together agribusiness leaders, farmer organisations, distributors, researchers, policymakers, carbon finance specialists and investors. The central focus was the validation of R‑Leaf® technology and its potential impact in Ghana’s farming systems. Dr Henry O. Sintim of the University of Ghana, who is leading local trials, emphasised the urgency of adopting climate‑smart innovations: “If we can develop the technologies and innovations that address some of these emerging climate issues inhibiting agricultural productivity, then the country is likely to increase food production and security.” Scaling global impact through collaboration Crop Intellect’s next phase focuses on scaling R‑Leaf® across larger agricultural areas, diversifying its application to multiple crops and regions, and forming deeper partnerships across supply chains. To achieve this, continued collaboration with the UK Agri‑Tech Centre will be crucial. Support for demonstration projects, international market entry and carbon‑focused innovation will enable the business to deliver impact at scale. As Dr Papadopoulos noted during the Ghana forum: “R-Leaf delivers an impressive average return on investment, providing value for every money spent, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and significant contribution to sustainable and profitable farming practices.” Dr Emily Harrison, Innovation Associate in Sustainable Crop Production at the UK Agri-Tech Centre said: “As part of this project, the UK Agri‑Tech Centre carried out a market and economic analysis for the integration of R‑Leaf in Ghanaian maize production systems. By reducing dependence on an increasingly volatile synthetic Nitrogen fertiliser market and creating new income streams through carbon credits, R-Leaf technology presents a genuine opportunity for Ghanaian farmers. However, Ghana’s smallholder-dominated sector faces distinct barriers, from inconsistent rural access to agricultural inputs to limited affordable finance, that need to be addressed to enable widespread agri-tech adoption. The engagement we received during our visit was invaluable. Roundtable discussions with a wide range of stakeholders enabled us to identify clear, practical pathways for the adoption of R‑Leaf in Ghana. This collaborative project has strengthened relationships across the value chain and laid the foundations for scaling R‑Leaf to support the country’s agricultural future.” The Ghana mission showcased the strong appetite for climate‑smart technologies and the vital role UK expertise can play in strengthening resilience worldwide. With continued support from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, research partners and global supply chains, Crop Intellect is poised to accelerate its impact and help farmers to reduce emissions and enhance productivity. Are you serious about going global with your agri‑tech innovation? Find out how we can support your next stage of growth at [email protected].

Turning plant data into energy savings: Insights from the ACDC system vertical farm trial

March 2, 2026 No Comments

Overview As energy costs and tight margins continue to challenge the financial viability of vertical farming, the UK Agri-Tech Centre has actively been supporting industry partners in developing data‑driven solutions that make total controlled environment agriculture production more efficient and commercially viable. The ACDC (Advanced Crop Dynamic Control) system is one such solution. Developed through an Innovate UK-funded project, this multi-technology collaboration uses real-time plant feedback to automatically regulate lighting inputs. The system was installed at the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Vertical Farming Development Centre (VFDC), FOTENIX INDIA, supplying plant spectral data Vertically Urban Horti-Blade™, providing dynamic lighting technology Ostara, integrating these inputs into an autonomous control platform The ACDC system switched lighting between ‘maximum production’ and ‘energy saving’ lighting recipes based on real-time spectral signatures for plant health. System Performance Growers need flexibility when managing energy use, crop quality and system performance in vertical farms. In this trial, the spectral signals and thresholds used in the ACDC System were selected to demonstrate the system can switch lighting modes based on signal input from the plant. Adjusting these settings, growers will be able to tailor the technology to their own crops and prioritise different production goals. Refining the integration During testing, the ACDC System successfully automated the switch between the two lighting recipes. While the core functionality worked well, it was not flawless. The system achieved the intended daily light duration 81% of the time, which may have contributed to reduced growth performance in the ACDC-grown plants. Impact on crop output While spinach yield performance was slightly lower in the trial than the control, crop appearance and quality remained consistent across both systems. Insights from the FOTENIX spectral data suggest that ACDC-grown plants may have diverted energy toward protective responses rather than growth. This highlights opportunities to refine control thresholds and crop-specific optimisation. Meaningful gains in energy and labour efficiency The ACDC System successfully delivered impressive energy savings. When the accounting for appropriate operational parameters, operation was 21–25% more energy efficient than the control system. The FOTENIX INDIA sensing platform provides constant, high‑quality, reliable data for the whole crop to support strategic decision‑making and recipe selection by Ostara. The system has the potential to automate all manual crop assessments—work that normally requires more than 20 hours of labour per trial. Key Takeaways The integrated ACDC system demonstrated that vertical farms could use real‑time plant data to automatically adjust lighting recipes, achieving energy savings of up to 25%. While the trial recorded a slight reduction in yield, this was linked to early-stage integration challenges and the need to refine which spectral signatures the system responds to. These findings highlight promising opportunities: Lighting can dynamically respond to plant conditions Energy use can be reduced without compromising crop quality Spectral feedback gives early insight into growth vs stress trade-offs This collaboration illustrates the value of technology integration to move towards more commercially viable vertical farming. The UK Agri‑Tech Centre will continue to work closely with the three companies to further progress the ACDC integrated system toward full optimisation. Future support include structured trials and analysis to refine the decision‑making model (e.g. signal selection), in collaboration with technology partners. The individual technologies are already available on the market through the consortium partners, providing immediate value to growers looking to adopt data‑driven, energy‑efficient solutions. Work with us The UK Agri-Tech Centre helps high potential agri-tech businesses reach commercial success, drive agri-tech innovation and adoption through world-class facilities, expert knowledge and business support. To find out more and get involved, contact us at [email protected].

How UK agri-tech businesses can navigate policy barriers while building globally competitive solutions

February 24, 2026 No Comments

On day two of our UK Agri-Tech Centre Growth Week, we heard from Charlie Guy, CEO and founder of LettUs Grow, and Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at the Startup Coalition, about what it takes to scale agri-tech businesses in the UK. Together, they unpacked the realities of scaling deep-tech in agriculture: proving technology commercially, navigating funding challenges and making the UK a place where agri-tech businesses choose to stay and grow. Why proving technology in agriculture takes longer than other sectors “For Lettus Grow, the journey from ‘this works’ to ‘growers will invest in this’ took years of rigorous validation.” Growers investing millions need scientific proof and economic validation, and agriculture’s seasonality means that proof takes time. Charlie Guy explained how LettUs Grow used controlled environments to accelerate R&D testing, then partnered with research institutions in the Netherlands and UK to build the academic credibility required before commercial growers would commit. The lesson: In agri-tech, scientific proof and commercial proof must happen in parallel. The UK policy landscape Charlie Mercer was clear: the UK has built strong foundations for entrepreneurship over two decades: “We are the third biggest startup ecosystem in the world, and that doesn’t happen by accident. Over the last 20 years, we have seen successive governments of different stripes actually lay the foundations for entrepreneurs to succeed in the UK.” Tax incentives like SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) have been crucial in attracting early-stage investment, particularly into high-risk, IP-intensive businesses like LettUs Grow. However, as the ecosystem has matured toward hardware-intensive, deep-tech businesses, different policy levers are needed. While agri-tech has been identified as a frontier industry, implementation has been patchy. Obstacles and catalysts for agri-tech businesses Funding LettUs Grow’s journey has coincided with the boom and bust of vertical farming investment. Schemes like SEIS have been vital in encouraging investment into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Different approaches may be needed for different types of technology. Regulation and standards For growers, UK regulation around product differentiation is limited. Charlie Guy explained the challenge: “In the UK, you’re either organic or you’re not. If you’re producing a better crop using methods that aren’t organic but using other methods that don’t fit in the organic bucket but are good in terms of water usage, no pesticides, grown locally, all these other very positive things — from a standards perspective, there’s no real way of differentiating by price when you’re growing a better quality product or a more sustainable product.” This limits the commercial case for growers to invest in innovative growing methods that deliver sustainability and quality benefits but don’t fit within existing certification frameworks. Energy and infrastructure Charlie Guy commented on the impact energy policy could have: “You cannot underestimate the impact that being on the right side of that policy would have for our customers—to be able to do things that are more innovative, to invest in expansion, to improve how they’re doing things and in many ways make their businesses financially sustainable.” New funding mechanisms like the Local Innovation Partnerships fund (£500 million through UKRI) offer potential to support sector-based innovation at a regional level, but leveraging these opportunities requires coordination between businesses, farmers and policymakers. Talent and market size The relatively small size of the UK’s protected cropping sector means that many of the large-scale project firms LettUs Grow partners with are based overseas, particularly in the Netherlands and North America. For technology businesses in UK agri-tech, a global outlook isn’t optional. To achieve venture-scale returns, international markets are essential. Practical pathways forward Both Charlies were optimistic about what’s possible through better coordination and targeted interventions: Expand trials for autonomous drones and robotics in farming to support farmer-driven innovation Scale programmes like ADOPT to enable farmers to move from testing to implementing proven innovations Reform energy pricing to support co-location of food production with renewables Update industrial classification codes so agri-tech businesses aren’t excluded from support schemes Create regulatory pathways for product differentiation beyond organic certification Join up food and energy policy — greenhouses using renewable energy support grid stability and decarbonisation Support circular, co-located systems integrating renewables, food, waste, heat and water treatment Invest in regional innovation ecosystems through funds like Local Innovation Partnerships Key advice for agri-tech founders Charlie Guy’s advice to other founders was grounded in lived experience: Stay optimistic but find your people “Optimism is definitely hard sometimes to keep. A lot of that optimism comes through meeting other people that you can bounce off and grow that optimism together. Make sure you can push above the noise and the things that are often trying to beat the optimism down around you. That connection with others that share your ambition and share your vision is important. Because that keeps you, when times are harder, focused on really having that impact at scale.” Prove it academically and commercially – In agri-tech, both matter. Build the validation step into your scale-up strategy. Think globally from day one – If you’re building agri-tech in the UK, you’ll need international customers to achieve venture-scale returns. Engage with policy – Charlie Mercer’s message was encouraging: “Policy is plastic. So long as you have evidence, you have a good narrative and you have folks who authentically speak to why it’s a good thing to change a policy, it can be done. It’s hard. It requires really staying the course.” How the UK Agri-Tech Centre supports scaling businesses We work with businesses like LettUs Grow at every stage of their journey: Validation and proof: Real-world testbeds and research partnerships to build scientific and commercial credibility Farmer networks: Connecting businesses with end-users to shape market fit and accelerate adoption International connections: Supporting global expansion through partnerships and market intelligence Policy engagement: Amplifying sector voices and working with coalitions to shape better policy outcomes Funding and support pathways: Navigating innovation funding, from ADOPT trials to UKRI programmes. Programmes like FASTA and our Agri-Tech Solution Sprints help SMEs move from technical challenge to commercial opportunity Listen to the full podcast here. If you’re building agri-tech and navigating the challenges of scaling, we’d love to support you. Get in touch today at [email protected]

Strengthening UK–India collaboration to advance sustainable agriculture

February 20, 2026 No Comments

The UK and India share a long‑standing commitment to agricultural innovation. In 2025, this partnership took a major leap forward through the UK–India Agri‑Tech Accelerator Programme, designed to strengthen bilateral collaboration, drive sustainable agriculture and support cutting‑edge innovators. This involved the establishment of a collaborative partnership between the UK Agri-Tech Centre and the UK Government, including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Business and Trade and the UK Science and Technology Network, to deliver the UK–India Agri-Tech Accelerator programme. Through an open call, five innovative UK businesses travelled to India and explore collaboration opportunities across four key technology areas: Precision breeding Crop surveillance technologies Precision applications or controlled growth systems Information and decision management tools Driving innovation for food security India represents a significant opportunity for agricultural innovation and collaboration. With 220 million hectares of cropped land and agricultural exports worth $53 billion in 2023–24, India stands as one of the world’s most influential agricultural markets. However, persistent productivity challenges create a strong demand for cutting-edge agri-tech solutions and international partnerships to unlock its full potential. The UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme aimed to connect UK agri-tech innovators with India’s rapidly evolving agricultural ecosystem to address shared challenges in food security, sustainability and climate resilience. Building high-impact partnerships across India Five pioneering UK companies — MUTUS, Linearworks, Green CropTech, AgriSound, and LettUs Grow — were selected to participate in an intensive week-long mission across Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged with: Leading research institutes Investors Start-ups Policymakers Field visits and targeted workshops helped identify key challenges and explore future collaboration opportunities from R&D and demonstrator sites to manufacturing. Key site visits included: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Agri Innovation Centre, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UASB) These interactions enabled participants to gather crucial insights and build meaningful relationships with Indian stakeholders. Lasting impact The accelerator delivered measurable impact for each of the participants and in strengthening UK-India relationships, including: Three innovation workshops engaging key stakeholders Pilot collaborations initiated for technology testing and market entry NDAs signed post-visit to advance partnerships Coverage in Indian Media featuring the visit’s visibility and impact Participants also reported gaining valuable insights into the Indian market and established ongoing dialogues with Indian incubators and investors. Participant reflections Feedback from delegates confirmed the programme’s success, praising the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s coordination and the cross-government collaboration. Charles Guy, Co-Founder and CEO of LettUsGrow: “The trade mission to India proved to be highly valuable, yielding several positive outcomes for LettUs Grow. Productive off-site visits to existing key customers, including a multinational seed-breeding company, allowed for valuable insights into their specific needs and challenges that I wouldn’t be able to gain without a UK Government sponsored in-person visit.” Dr Navneeta Katyan, Co-Founder of Green Crop Tech: “The UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme has enabled us to explore collaborative opportunities, validate our product-market fit in India and make strategic adjustments to our business plan to support a ‘soft landing’ in the Indian market.” Looking ahead The UK Agri-Tech Centre will continue to support the connections fostered through this programme and explore future opportunities for UK agriculture businesses internationally, through market access and policy alignment. Read the full mission report: https://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/ProjectDetails?ProjectId=21920 Are you serious about going global with your agri‑tech innovation? Find out how we can support your next stage of growth at [email protected]

Agri-tech in action: A February round up

February 19, 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.  UK Agri-Tech Centre’s new CEO unveils accelerated support for agri-tech start-ups and scale-ups Over 100 leaders from across the agri-industry gathered at the House of Lords for an agri-tech networking reception on February 3. During the reception newly appointed CEO Steve McLean presented his vision for cultivating a dynamic UK agri-tech industry that strengthens agricultural sustainability and resilience. The vision for the future? Steve McLean, CEO, UK Agri-Tech Centre: “Our goal is clear: to make the UK one of the world’s most successful environments for agritech innovation, attracting and growing the most capable, impactful ventures.” Read the full update Turning ambition into action for agri-tech with Growth Week Growth Week was all about backing agri-tech businesses to grow with confidence. Across 2-6 February, we brought together innovators, farmers, investors and partners for fast-paced sessions dedicated to helping businesses break down barriers and move faster towards commercial success. Throughout the week we shared podcasts, webinars and videos aimed at boosting growth opportunities for agri-tech businesses and the whole supply chain focusing on: Addressing barriers to growth Ensuring agri-tech is fit for farms Navigating the supply chain Exploring new initiatives to accelerate your growth – FASTA and Agri-Tech Solution Sprints Scaling your business internationally Tales of exporting from the Middle East Explore the resources now available Agri-Tech Solutions Sprints – Fast-track your agri-tech innovation If you’re developing tech in controlled environments, robotics, advanced sensing, AI and data, or engineering biology and you’ve already got a working prototype, the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints can help you take the next step with confidence. Registrations close on 23 February. No long lead times. No heavy burden. Just focused support designed to unlock your next stage of growth. Register today International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 What inspires someone to pursue a career in science? This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spoke to two scientists who share their journeys into their fields. From building a company focused on restoring soil biodiversity, to navigating a research career while overcoming early barriers, Dr Angela de Manzanos Guinot and Dr Kerry McDonald Howard show how curiosity, resilience and supportive role models can shape a future in STEM. Read their stories Boosting strawberry yields with drones and AI Polybee is transforming strawberry farming with cutting-edge drone technology. The Precision Pollination Project uses autonomous drones to boost pollination and provide growers with accurate yield forecasts in controlled environments like greenhouses and polytunnels. The UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported Polybee’s success with project management and technical expert support. Find all our stories in our monthly newsletter – sign up here.  If you are interested in business support or have any questions, contact us at [email protected]

How agri-tech becomes supply-chain ready

February 18, 2026 No Comments

What every agri-tech business needs to know to work with the agri-food supply chain Scaling an agri-tech business requires more than innovative technology. It demands a deep understanding of the industry, clear communication of value and strategic partnerships that align with end-user needs. On day one of our UK Agri-Tech Centre Growth Week, we spoke with Louisa Hogarty (Chief People & Impact Officer) and Emily Marshall (Sustainability & National Account Manager) from Noble Foods, a supplier to major retailers, who understands what it takes to turn innovation into something the market can adopt. Together, they unpacked industry expectations for agri-tech, its value across the supply chain and practical advice for agri-tech businesses working with large food suppliers. Align with strategic priorities For organisations like Noble Foods, strategy drives procurement decisions and adoption across the supply chain. Louisa explained that their impact strategy runs through to 2050, with measurable progress required every year. One key insight is that agri-tech businesses must understand where they fit within an organisation’s broader strategic goals. As Louisa advised, “solve a real problem and make it easy for us to sell it”. Noble Foods focuses on carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement and animal welfare improvements. These aren’t isolated initiatives but interconnected priorities that shape technology investment decisions. Emily shared two successful partnerships that illustrate this alignment. AgriSound provides bio-acoustic monitoring to quantify biodiversity on free-range sites, giving Noble Foods baseline data they can share with retail customers. Hutchinsons‘ TerraMap technology delivers comprehensive soil health data, supporting carbon and sustainability targets. Both solutions provided tangible, measurable outcomes tied directly to strategic objectives and retailer reporting needs. Communicate value through the chain In agri-food supply chains, value must be communicated clearly at every level — farm managers, technical teams, commercial leads, category buyers and retailers. Emily emphasised that clear communication is non-negotiable: “A company being able to come to us with a really clear idea of what the project delivers in really simple terms, not assuming that anybody reading it is an expert in the field, makes everybody else’s life easier.” This matters because Emily needs to sell projects internally for sign-off and externally to retail customers. Noble Foods works with major retailers who have their own sustainability targets. When an agri-tech solution can be easily communicated up the supply chain, it gains momentum. Make it easy to re–tell your story: Develop clear explanations Create shareable materials Don’t just share data — tell a story with it And, as Emily noted about AgriSound’s success, “don’t be scared to use social media” to build awareness and credibility. The three adoption barriers in supply chains, and how to overcome them Emily shared why some agri-tech partnerships don’t progress beyond initial conversations. First, scalability and timelines matter: “If something is a fantastic idea but it’s going to take five years to get off the ground, five years to us is a really long time. We need to be starting work now.” Technology must be deployable across different farm sizes and geographies without extensive customisation. Second, cost and ROI are critical. Despite being a large business, Noble Foods operates on tight budgets. However, collaborative funding through mechanisms like Innovate UK can open doors. Third, operational disruption can be a dealbreaker. If implementing technology requires significant staff time without clear benefits, it won’t happen. Solutions must integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. The opportunities ahead Looking forward, Louisa and Emily highlighted a few major opportunities for agri-tech innovation. From reactive to proactive operations Louisa highlighted that better data capture and analysis will fundamentally change how farmers manage their operations: “Leveraging data to move from being reactive to proactive is going to be the biggest change. As farms gain more real‑time visibility, decision‑making can shift from responding to problems to predicting and preventing them. Data quality and control Data is becoming strategic IP: “One of the biggest benefits to organisations in the future is around the quality of your data and that IP. One of the things we’ve looked at in the past is, if we as a business can’t own that data and control that data, that is a red line for us.” Nature and biodiversity reporting Emily noted a significant shift in sustainability priorities. With retailers increasingly requiring reporting on nature and biodiversity outcomes, this emerging area presents substantial space for new solutions and thought leadership. Exclusivity accelerates adoption Offering time-limited exclusivity can secure early champions: “If I can say there’s an exclusivity period and we know that we’ll be first to market, it helps to get people on board.” In competitive markets, being the first to implement innovative tools can create immediate marketing advantages and deepen customer relationships. Key takeaways for scaling agri-tech in supply chains: Align your technology with customers’ long-term sustainability commitments and strategic priorities Communicate clearly in jargon-free language that can be shared throughout the supply chain Ensure scalability across different farm types and geographies without extensive customisation Minimise operational disruption and clearly demonstrate ROI Address data ownership transparently and provide ongoing partnership support Consider time-limited exclusivity to accelerate adoption Explore collaborative funding mechanisms to reduce cost barriers How the UK Agri-Tech Centre helps businesses become supply chain-ready We support businesses across the agri-food supply chain validate and scale with: Real-world testbeds that mirror farm-to-retail workflows Farmer networks and end-user insight to shape market fit Data validation to provide accurate information Programmes like FASTA and our Agri-Tech Solution Sprints to help SMEs overcome technical and commercial challenges and move towards commercialisation Listen to the full podcast here. If you’re building something innovative and want to make it adoptable in real-world supply chain conditions, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today at [email protected].

Low energy kelp shows promising results for crop yields

February 17, 2026 No Comments

A groundbreaking project exploring low‑energy methods for processing cultivated kelp into a liquid biostimulant and animal feed supplement has exceeded early field‑test expectations and taken a significant step toward commercialisation. Backed by Innovate UK, the nation’s innovation agency, the ‘Optimising low energy extraction of kelp for soil and livestock nutrition‘ initiative (Low Energy Kelp) advances earlier feasibility research. The work centres on refining liquid extraction and ensiling techniques for kelp, to establish a two-stage extraction process that yields reliable agricultural products. The project brings together Algapelago Marine Limited, a farming-led seaweed biotech enterprise with an offshore cultivation operation, as lead partner, alongside Rothamsted Research and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Together, they have validated product performance under challenging abiotic stress scenarios. Growing demand for seaweed biostimulants Agricultural interest in biostimulants derived from seaweed continues to expand, driven by their capacity to boost crop development, strengthen stress resilience and improve nutrient utilisation efficiency. Their sustainable sourcing also offers positive environmental advantages. The agri-seaweed market currently relies heavily on wild-harvested material, though demand for seaweed-based agricultural supplements is projected to surge as regulatory frameworks push for reduced chemical inputs. Initial testing Testing took place within Rothamsted’s controlled environment infrastructure, enabling the research team to determine ideal application methods and dosing for Algapelago’s prototype formula. The initial phase examined how four different foliar application rates affected wheat and field bean productivity under both adequate irrigation and drought stress. A second phase compared the effectiveness of foliar versus soil application on wheat yields. Additional testing to assess application timing relative to plant development stages and performance under varied drought conditions has been recommended to further refine the biostimulant’s use. Trials using different fertiliser levels were also suggested, as the product may demonstrate enhanced benefits under more nutrient-constrained scenarios than those examined in this study. Tangible yield improvements The research confirms that under specific circumstances, seaweed-derived biostimulants deliver tangible crop yield improvements. Dr Marieme Drame, Scientific Technician at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, expressed enthusiasm about the findings. She said: “Kelp-derived biostimulants offer a systems-based solution that works with plant and soil biology to enhance crop performance. At the optimal application rate in our wheat trials, we observed improved growth and yield, along with positive indirect effects on soil microbial activity, demonstrating clear value for productive and resilient farming systems.” The importance of collaboration Dr Hari Ram Upadhayay, Scientist in Agroecosystem Biogeochemistry at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, emphasised the importance of partnership. He said: “Collaboration is a key to driving innovation. Here, kelp-derived biostimulants innovation holds major promise for supporting sustainable intensification as agriculture adapts to a changing climate.” Professor Adie Collins, Science Director at Rothamsted Research, highlighted how industry-science partnerships can advance the sector. He said: “This project provides a good example of how industry and science teams can co-work together to ensure robust evidence is assembled on potential new interventions in support of sustainable and resilient agriculture in a changing and challenging world.” Industry insights and grower engagement Dr Saravanan Rengaraj, Innovation Associate for Soil Health at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Algapelago has successfully applied nature based farmed seaweed chemistry through a scalable biostimulant platform designed to enhance crop yield stability and nutrient use efficiency. We at the UK Agri-Tech Centre feel proud to have supported with technical validation and project management.” Kerr Jeferies, Market Research & Partnerships Manager at Algapelago, said: “The insights from our direct engagement with growers have been invaluable. Hearing directly from leading farm managers and agronomists has sharpened our focus and made us even more confident in the product’s potential and market fit. We’re excited to continue engaging with these partners as we go from prototype to full commercialisation of the UK cultivated kelp biostimulant.” What’s next? Speaking about the project and the progress it has made in exceeding its targets, Luke Ansell, Head of Operations & Research at Algapelago, said: “The Low Energy Kelp project set out an ambitious goal to unlock the supply of cultivated kelp as a quality agricultural supplement. Over the last two years, we’ve made great progress towards that goal, moving from concept phase to a low-energy processing method stress-tested at a 1-tonne scale. The prototype biostimulant product has far exceeded expectations in wheat trials, demonstrating that biostimulants sourced from cultivated seaweed can outperform market incumbents. Though the Low Energy Kelp project has ended, we will continue to build the evidence base for product efficacy and move towards commercial production through the sister Innovate UK SKE-NMT project. I want to thank all project partners, including Atlantic Mariculture, Rothamsted Research and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, for their contributions. It’s been a pleasure working with the consortium team and we look forward to providing more updates on our work soon.” For more information, get in touch at [email protected].

The UK Agri-Tech Centre hosts at the new Agronomy Exchange conference

February 16, 2026 No Comments

The UK Agri-Tech Centre took part in the first-ever Agronomy Exchange conference on 11 February in London, where a mix of agronomists, industry experts and researchers came together to talk about the future of UK crop production and how technology can help shape it. It’s the first event of its kind and covered topics such as how AI-driven decision tools can impact the industry positively, as well as the way in which digital innovation is shaping resilience in arable farming. Data-driven agronomy takes centre stage Eliot Dixon is the Head of Robotics and AI at the UK Agri-Tech Centre and hosted the workshop on Data Driven Agronomy & Future Skills. This session explored how data, robotics and digital tools are transforming modern agronomy. It considers how agronomists can use emerging technologies to improve decision-making, support farm businesses and develop the skills needed to remain relevant in an increasingly data-driven agricultural sector. Eliot said: “The conference was an ideal mix of agri-tech ventures, academics and most importantly, farmers and their advisors. We took this unique opportunity to get some feedback from the audience on their use of data and AI in agronomy and the blockers they are facing. This was fascinating and will influence our long-term support to the industry.” Perspectives from UK Agri-Tech Centre experts Also in attendance at the event was the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Farm Technician, Rahul Khatravath, who took advantage of the networking opportunities at the event. He said: “I personally found the conference very interesting and insightful. It was a great opportunity to see agronomists, progressive farmers, researchers and industry experts come together and share what is happening on the ground in terms of research and practice. I particularly valued gaining a better understanding of the production side of the sector, including plant breeding, fertiliser use efficiency, weed management and broader aspects of plant growth and crop performance. As we mainly work with technology, it was fascinating to explore the deeper scientific aspects such as precision breeding, nitrogen use efficiency and carbon sequestration. Speaking directly with farmers also helped me understand their practical challenges and pain points, especially around nutrient management and sustainability.” Richard Round, Innovation Associate for Agricultural Sustainability at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, attended the event and found it extremely beneficial to talk to the people on the ground. He said: “It was a pleasure to attend the Agronomy Exchange event. The day was filled with engaging talks from farmers, researchers and industry leaders who explored technologies shaping the future of UK crop production, including soil science, precision breeding, engineered biology and the growing role of data and AI-driven approaches. Between the highly informative sessions, I was also fortunate to speak with several attendees, including farmers, agronomists and agri-tech organisations. It is always encouraging to attend events like this that tackle the challenges facing the agricultural sector by exploring innovative ideas to support a healthy, sustainable and profitable farming system for the years ahead.” Rahul added: “I also felt that events like this provide valuable learning opportunities for us as an organisation. It helps us better understand farmers’ needs, the challenges they face and how we can support them by co-creating practical solutions together. The conference provided a strong platform to engage with farmers, agronomists, plant breeders and industry partners, and I believe it would be beneficial for us to stay involved in such initiatives. Overall, it was a very valuable learning experience and I really enjoyed attending.” Get in touch – to find out more about the work we do, contact us at [email protected].

Canada and UK forge new dairy innovation pathways through Twin Pastures exchange

February 11, 2026 No Comments

A Canadian delegation visited the UK last week as part of Twin Pastures, a bilateral livestock innovation exchange programme, bringing together entrepreneurs and academics to explore new opportunities in cattle health and welfare. The programme, backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and led by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), follows a 2025 visit in which UK representatives travelled to Alberta and Saskatchewan. Over the course of the week in the UK, the Canadian delegates met with leading researchers, agribusinesses and innovation accelerators across the UK. Dr Ghader Manafiazar, Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and Co-Founder of IClassifier Inc., said: “We really appreciate this opportunity and we found the collaboration very insightful and productive. Mainly, what we are looking for is a networking opportunity to know the people and understand what they are doing. It was really exciting to see a couple of the technologies in action in the dairy facilities that the UK Agri-Tech Centre has, because having something in a lab is different to having something on a farm, so we can see the challenges they’ve discussed and we see the similarity between their problem with the adaptation of the technology on-farm.” A landmark moment at DairyTech 2026 A highlight of the week was participation in DairyTech 2026, the UK’s largest dairy agri-tech event, which drew more than 300 exhibitors. For the first time in the event’s history, an international panel was convened, featuring selected Canadian delegates and chaired by Dr Bethan John, Animal Health Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Dr Bethan John said: “This week offered a fantastic opportunity for our Canadian visitors to engage directly with the UK dairy sector and explore the innovations shaping its future. From real‑time diagnostics for production‑limiting diseases to emerging applications of AI in monitoring, nutrition and precision farming, the discussions were forward‑thinking and practical. We also explored biosensing technologies that enhance health, reproductive management and welfare assessment. This exchange showcased how international collaboration accelerates meaningful progress.” Who was involved Throughout the week, delegates met with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the Royal Veterinary College and ADF Milking Systems, among other key players. Discussions centred on co-developing solutions in areas including artificial intelligence, biosensors and rapid penside diagnostics. Networking took place at both the UK Agri-Tech Centre Midlands Hub and across DairyTech trade stands, as part of Growth Week, a week led by the UK Agri-Tech Centre championing innovative agri-tech businesses driving economic progress in the sector. Dr Patience Palmer, Programme Manager at the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network, said: “It has been an amazing experience from both ends, including the tour that we had in the Prairies and at the UK Agri-Tech Centre Midlands Hub and South West Dairy Development Centre, so we got to see what they were doing in terms of technology and innovation, which is very impressive. It’s an eye-opener and I’m seeing a lot of technology—some new, some not so new—but definitely not what I knew before, so it’s all very interesting and an amazing opportunity to be here.” James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “This UK government-funded reciprocal visit has further strengthened our engagement with the Canadian market and deepened our collaboration with the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network. Over an action-packed week of meetings, tours and activity at DairyTech 2026, we’ve seen meaningful relationships take shape and clear opportunities for joint research and potential commercial partnerships emerge. Bringing government, academia and industry together is a core part of what we do at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Twin Pastures is a great example of how international collaboration can accelerate progress and we look forward to continuing to build pathways between the UK and Canada to drive agri-tech innovation.” Addressing shared challenges Beyond showcasing new technology, the exchange gave both sides space to discuss broader industry pressures, including milk pricing, labour shortages and the challenge of encouraging farmer uptake of new tools. Conversations throughout the week were anchored in shared principles around responsible innovation, One Health and digital transformation. Dr Colin Yates, CEO of VETSon, said: “What we’re doing here in the UK is exploring whether there’s a market for us to expand our product and services that are here in order to support veterinarians and veterinary practices so they can better connect with the farm clients, which include dairy clients as well as other farms like cattle and sheep. Today I’ve had a great experience talking to a tonne of different veterinarians here and in fact, I’ve spoken to more veterinarians today than I have in all of my experience in Canada so far, so it has been excellent to do that. Next task is to start talking to more farmers, understanding what their needs are and see whether we can pull some things together here in the UK.” Dr Bethan John added: “At the UK Agri‑Tech Centre, we act as the go‑to partner for driving business growth and accelerating agri‑tech adoption. We support innovators with the tools and in‑house expertise needed to develop scalable, market‑ready solutions and de‑risk the journey from concept to commercialisation. Our UK‑wide test and trial capabilities, farm network and R&D facilities, which formed a key part of the Twin Pastures exchange itinerary, enable rapid validation and fast‑tracking of new technologies to address the sector’s most pressing challenges.” To find out more about the UK Agri-Tech Centre and our international opportunities, get in touch at [email protected].

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

February 11, 2026 No Comments

Today (11 February) marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to celebrate women and girls advancing equally in science and to raise awareness of the future that females can have in the industry. As part of this event, the UK Agri-Tech Centre met with two scientists to explore their journeys. Breaking barriers in bioscience Dr Angela de Manzanos Guinot PhD, founded FA BIO in 2015. Her business’s vision is to build and protect the natural ecosystems sustaining life by unlocking the potential of untapped microbes. Their bioproducts aim to replace chemical inputs while restoring soil biodiversity, work that sits at the intersection of innovation and ecological stewardship. Angela said: “I have always had a very curious mind, fascinated by understanding how biological systems work at the microscopic and molecular levels. I didn’t grow up surrounded by scientists, but by patient parents who supported my curiosity – despite the many ‘tell-offs’ I received from my mother for destroying the pretty dresses she encouraged me to wear while I was busy climbing trees and exploring. While I did not face direct discrimination when first exploring a scientific career, I encountered scepticism regarding the professional avenues science could actually open. Since embarking on my training, I have been inspired by resilient women who fought against the tide, like my mother-in-law, who became a world-recognised researcher despite facing significant discrimination throughout her career. I don’t believe gender impacts one’s ability to be a scientist; in fact, at FA Bio, we are majority female. However, a ‘glass ceiling’ remains. Pairing career advancement with caring responsibilities is still extremely challenging in today’s society. We must support and protect mothers and carers to provide fair opportunities for all. It is refreshing to see more women receiving Nobel prizes and leading scientific advancements and I hope that for future generations, this level of success becomes so normalised that we no longer need specific days to recognise these ‘unsung heroes’.” Growing a scientific career against the odds Dr Kerry McDonald Howard, Technical Delivery Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, dealt with challenges whilst entering the world of science. “I have always been obsessed with the natural wonders of the world, I was definitely that child that had jars of tadpoles under their bed and who spent all hours outside exploring the wilderness around! Straight away there was a gender barrier, from having constant debates with my Mom as to why dresses were silly and would restrict my scientific exploration, to being often told I could not do something that my brother could do because I was a girl. But I was not deterred, due to my neurodivergent mind (this helped), I would not take no for an answer when it was just not logical. Being a woman, however, meant that it took a lot longer to get into the academic world. “What greatly helped is the strong women that rallied me along at different points of my adult life; from working in pubs, to starting college, to an internship within a botanic garden. The strong female figures in my life ignited the sparks that fired me towards going for a PhD and becoming the person I am today. I now get to work with my passion and accelerate scientific innovation and technology development across the agricultural sector.” The UK Agri-Tech Centre supports businesses to develop their innovations to be technically and commercially robust, through bespoke programmes in the UK and globally, helping agri-tech businesses go further, faster. Both Angela and Kerry are living proof that science doesn’t belong to any one type of person. Their stories offer an honest and hopeful picture of what a career in science can look like. For more information about FA Bio or the UK Agri-Tech Centre and the work we do, visit fa-bio.net or get in touch at [email protected]

Archives: News & Insights