Insights Archives

Unlocking opportunities in Bahrain for UK agri-tech businesses

February 5, 2026 No Comments

In 2025, the UK Agri-Tech Centre worked alongside Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (MoMAA) and the British Embassy Bahrain to support Bahrain’s Strategic Food Security objectives, while also creating a valuable international opportunity for UK agri-tech businesses ready to scale. The project focused on identifying practical, high-impact technologies from the UK that could strengthen sustainable food production in Bahrain’s climate, and help local growers improve productivity, resilience and resource efficiency. At the same time, it gave participating UK companies a supported route into a new market, helping them build relationships, validate performance in real-world conditions and explore long-term commercial pathways across Bahrain and the wider Middle East. Three UK agri-tech companies were selected to take part in the test and trial initiative: Polysolar, Ostara and Zayndu. Each business was given the opportunity to showcase its technology at MoMAA’s incubation site, creating a physical presence in Bahrain and enabling direct engagement with growers, ministry teams and key stakeholders across the sector. Demonstrating UK innovation in real-world growing conditions Demonstrations were designed to be hands-on and data-led. This included Polysolar’s solar technology that was installed across two sites—MoMAA’s incubation site and the Bahrain Agricultural Development Company site—to explore how lightweight, flexible solar PV could support horticultural production. The arrays were split between 8kW and 4kW and trialled with different panel densities (10–30% shading), allowing performance to be evaluated across different crops, including tomatoes and salads. The trials are generating valuable insights on how the technology performs in a different climate, helping inform product development and market readiness both in Bahrain and beyond. Alongside renewable energy generation, the programme also introduced Ostara’s advanced automation for protected growing environments. A network of sensors and control systems was installed in a greenhouse at the MoMAA incubation site, monitoring internal and external conditions and enabling control of roof vents, fans, cooling pumps, shade netting, irrigation and fertigation networks. Training was delivered directly to growers, giving them practical experience in setting environmental targets and using real-time data to manage crop conditions remotely. The inclusion of predictive control, using weather forecasts to take proactive action, offered additional value in managing extreme temperature fluctuations and high winds. Seed performance and crop establishment were also a key focus. Zayndu’s cold plasma seed treatment technology was installed in a fully climate-controlled room at the incubation site, with hands-on training provided to MoMAA personnel. A range of seeds were treated and planted at the ministry site to demonstrate the impact of the technology and build local capability. In particular, the technology was trialled on Mimusops laurifolia seeds, well known for low germination. Results showed notable germination and reduced germination time compared to other treatments and control. Creating momentum for international growth Beyond the technology installations, the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s role was to help ensure the opportunity translated into long-term momentum for participating businesses. The programme enabled companies to meet stakeholders, understand regional needs first-hand and explore collaboration opportunities that could lead to future deployments, partnerships and investment conversations. Since the visits, progress has continued: trials are ongoing, additional sales discussions have begun and wider regional opportunities, including in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are being actively explored. Further work is also underway with local farmers to improve yields, alongside plans to support a Bahraini native seed bank and develop protocols for tree seed establishment across Bahrain. The project also delivered knowledge exchange at multiple levels. Training was provided to ministry personnel to support adoption and confidence in the technologies, and an open day helped showcase the innovations to external stakeholders across the supply chain. As the project develops, its economic, societal and environmental impact will continue to be monitored closely with each company, supporting both Bahrain’s food security ambitions and the international growth of UK agri-tech innovation. Get involved By embedding UK agri-tech businesses into local ecosystems, the UK Agri-Tech Centre removes barriers to investment and opens commercial pathways, helping them to compete and thrive globally. Read the full report Are you serious about going global with your agri‑tech innovation? Find out how we can support your next stage of growth. Get in touch at [email protected].

How artificial intelligence is finding its place on UK farms

January 29, 2026 No Comments

Artificial intelligence has moved well beyond experimental stages in most sectors and is well-integrated into our day-to-day lives. Advances in machine learning, sensor engineering and cloud computing now deliver practical, usable systems that analyse patterns and process real-time data at scales that were unrealistic a decade ago. Across the agri-tech sector, all signs point to increasing use of AI‑enabled decision support and data analytics in farming. UK agri-tech is already seeing the rise of precision tools, data-driven tech and decision support platforms. AI is becoming a layer within this stack by interpreting images, automating data analysis and supporting day-to-day choices rather than sitting apart from them. On many farms, artificial intelligence now sits alongside the other decision support tools people use every day in some capacity. The farms featured in our Farming Smarter documentary series demonstrated that AI is becoming part of the routine and is being used in practical ways, strengthening crop monitoring, biodiversity measurement and day-to-day decision-making. Seeing the crop properly Crop monitoring is a good example. Walking crops will always matter, but human eyesight inevitably spots problems later on. Fotenix, an agri-tech innovator supported by the UK Agri-Tech Centre, uses multispectral imaging and AI-driven analysis to detect nutrient stress, disease and physiological changes before they’re visible. The imaging is non-destructive and precise, giving growers quick, clear signals rather than complex interfaces. Fotenix’s model is grounded in commercial reality. They’ve spent years showing that earlier detection translates into less waste, better-timed interventions and stronger crop performance under real farm constraints, not only in research settings. It is now widely used across controlled environments and horticultural systems. Measuring nature in a way farmers can use AI is also reshaping how we understand biodiversity on farms. ChirrupNano, developed through a collaboration between Chirrup.ai and the UK Agri Tech Centre, uses bio-acoustic sensors to turn birdsong into reliable biodiversity data. Featured in the Farming Smarter docuseries, it is a small portable device that can sit anywhere on the farm and autonomously identify 100+ bird species across Britain and Ireland. ChirrupNano doesn’t require farmers to become ecologists, the system interprets acoustic data and benchmarks it against other farms, past recordings or national standards. Birds respond rapidly to change, making them powerful indicators of wider ecosystem health. Over 100 farmers are already involved in the rollout, helping shape the technology so it fits day-to-day practice and for farms to use as an evidence base. Connectivity: A barrier and an opportunity For many farms, the main barrier to using AI tools isn’t cost or complexity; it’s connectivity. At the Oxford Farming Conference 2026, this point came through repeatedly. Discussions focused on whether tools genuinely strengthen resilience (the event’s central theme) and the consensus was that data now sits alongside soil and seed as a strategic input, but only when tools fit existing workflows and prove on-farm value. A national survey in 2025 highlighted the scale of the connectivity issue: 60% of farmers say reliable internet access is critical for day-to-day operations. 8% of farms still have no internet access at all. 42% cite poor connectivity as a major barrier to adopting new tools. Among farms with full fibre, 47% said it unlocked precision tools that were previously unavailable. The effects go beyond agronomy. Poor connectivity reshapes how farm businesses operate and affects family life and community connections. The flip side is the opportunity – when high-quality broadband arrives, farmers adopt new technologies quickly and report immediate efficiency gains from precision applications to real-time monitoring and automation. Connectivity unlocks new service markets: remote diagnostics, cloud-based field maps, live biodiversity monitoring, sensor integrations and performance-based AI tools such as those used by Fotenix and Chirrup.ai. The gap is therefore an opportunity waiting to happen. Where connectivity improves, adoption follows. And where adoption follows, demand grows for better analysis, richer datasets and smarter decision support. Where AI adds real value The exciting part isn’t the novelty of AI, but the shift it enables from reactive to preventative decision making and when done well, the faster turning of farm data into useful information. The farms in Farming Smarter aren’t showpieces for futuristic systems, they’re working landscapes run by people balancing risk, cost and responsibility. When AI tools work well, they support decision-making quietly and reliably and become part of the everyday toolkit farmers already know how to use. Dr Sofia Hirscher, Technical Marketing Manager If you want to test, trial and demonstrate your technology on farm or have any questions, contact us at [email protected]

Growth Week aimed at tackling barriers to agri-tech sector growth

January 27, 2026 No Comments

The UK Agri-Tech Centre has announced it will host a dedicated Growth Week from 2–6 February as part of its ‘Grow Your Own Way; We Mean Business When it Comes to Agri-Tech’ campaign. The campaign is designed to highlight innovative and pioneering agri-tech companies that are transforming agriculture with new technologies, products and ideas, helping to stimulate economic growth across the sector. As part of the campaign, the UK Agri-Tech Centre has recently launched its FASTA initiative, which connects businesses with a network of technical experts, industry leaders and sustainability advisors. Through a single programme, participants can gain guidance to refine MRV solutions, speed up commercialisation and support business growth. The UK Agri-Tech Centre is also introducing its Agri-Tech Solution Sprints, offering specialist support to help businesses address growth barriers and bring innovation to market more quickly. Registration for the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints opens on 9 February for ambitious micro, small and medium-sized ventures. Growth Week will feature a mix of in-person events, virtual networking opportunities and expert-led sessions aimed at addressing challenges and unlocking new opportunities in agri-tech. The programme will showcase the importance of agri-tech within the supply chain and explore overseas markets, providing practical advice and insight to help businesses succeed. One focus of the week will be export development, with sessions examining opportunities in the Middle East and New Zealand and sharing guidance on scaling technologies internationally. James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “International demand for high impact agri-tech has never been stronger. The Centre provides UK ventures a unique platform to showcase solutions that can also scale globally, opening the door to new export pathways in markets that are actively seeking sustainable, data driven technologies. We’re particularly excited to welcome a Canadian delegation to the UK during Growth Week through the Twin Pastures programme; their visit highlights the strength of UK–Canada collaboration and the real opportunity for businesses on both sides to accelerate knowledge exchange, collaboration and commercial growth internationally.” As part of Growth Week, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will host a networking breakfast at the Dairy Tech event on Wednesday, 4 February, from 9am. This will include a session on ‘Global dairy innovation: Emerging technologies and trends from Canada’ at 1.15pm, followed by a session at 1.30pm on ensuring agri-tech solutions are fit for farms. Attendees are encouraged to take part online or in person throughout the week. Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “We really do mean business when it comes to agri-tech. Our ambition is to help the sector to grow through supporting agri-tech businesses; ensuring technology solutions are tested and trialled on-farm to be robust and relevant to meet industry challenges. This campaign celebrates the ingenuity and ambition of those in agri-tech who are committed to creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.” For more information about the campaign and how the UK Agri-Tech Centre supports business growth, visit https://ukagritechcentre.com/news/join-us-for-growth-week-2026/

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]

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.

Latest International Opportunities

January 16, 2026 No Comments

Find out about current international funding opportunities to get support and help accelerate agri-tech aspirations

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

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]

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

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].

News Category: Insights