News Category: News

Harnessing biology for climate resilience

November 10, 2025 No Comments

As global agriculture faces intensifying climate pressures, the UK’s agri-tech community is advancing a shared vision rooted in biology, data and innovation.   A new report from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, “The future of arable and horticulture innovation: Shaping the next 10 years”, outlines how biotechnology will be central to building climate-resilient food systems, a message that resonates strongly ahead of COP30.  Between now and 2028, biotech innovation is reshaping pest and disease management, as mentioned in the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s new report. Biological control solutions are reducing reliance on existing chemical inputs, many of which are declining in efficacy and being phased out through risk-based regulation. New approaches such as microencapsulation can achieve significant pest reductions, while IoT and AI-driven monitoring are enabling earlier, more targeted interventions. Advances in microbiome research are also uncovering beneficial microbes that strengthen plant immunity and enhance resilience, key tools in adapting to a changing climate.   Looking further ahead, microbiome-based and RNA technologies are set to transform how crops interact with their environment. By engineering the rhizosphere and deploying synthetic microbial communities, farmers can improve nutrient uptake, soil health and disease suppression. By 2035, RNA interference (RNAi) and bacteriophage technologies will enable highly specific pest and pathogen control while protecting beneficial species, advancing a new era of circular, low-carbon agriculture supported by AI-driven decision tools.   Harnessing biotechnology for climate resilience goes beyond crop protection; it’s about building sustainable food systems. By progressively integrating biologically inspired, systems-level innovations alongside more efficient use of existing inputs, the UK can:   Strengthen soil health and biodiversity   Reduce dependency on resource-intensive agrochemicals   Enhance resilience to extreme weather and emerging pathogens   Safeguard national and global food security   To make this vision a reality, innovation must go hand-in-hand with regulatory clarity and real-world validation, areas where the UK is uniquely positioned to demonstrate global leadership.  As we look ahead to COP30, these advances will help the UK demonstrate global leadership in integrated biological, digital and engineering innovation, delivering both sustainable productivity gains and farm system resilience.     Explore the future of arable and horticulture innovation   A new 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.   Read more by downloading the report below:  

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Future of arable and horticulture innovation report launches

October 30, 2025 No Comments

A new report from the UK Agri-Tech Centre outlines a forward-looking vision for how the UK’s arable and horticultural industries can harness innovation to enhance resilience, productivity and environmental sustainability over the next decade.   Commissioned and authored by the UK Agri-Tech Centre, ‘The future of arable and horticulture innovation: Shaping the next 10 years’ projects toward 2035, identifying the technologies and innovation pathways most likely to accelerate growth in the UK’s agri-tech sector while delivering benefits across the wider food system. The report stresses that UK agriculture stands at a pivotal moment. With mounting climate pressures, ongoing labour shortages and increasing input costs, the need for smart, efficient and integrated farming systems is greater than ever. From advanced sensing and AI to biotechnology and controlled-environment production, emerging technologies will be essential for tackling these challenges and unlocking new commercial opportunities for UK innovators.   Drawing on interviews and collaborative workshops across the supply chain and underpinned by the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s technical expertise, the report identifies three major themes shaping future innovation:   Climate change mitigation Automation and digitisation Diversification of production   Dr Harry Langford, Innovation Director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “For agri-tech to realise its full potential, innovators need both clear pathways and the ability to connect bright ideas with the complexities of real-world farming. By linking research technology development and commercial practice, the sector can bridge the critical gaps between concept and adoption, delivering scalable, on-farm solutions.”   To set a forward agenda for innovation, the UK Agri-Tech Centre defines four primary pathways for technological development in arable and horticulture over the next decade:   Intelligent and data-driven agriculture – Deploying AI, robotics and sensing technologies to enable predictive, data-led farm management and precision input use. Climate resilience and biotechnology – Integrating precision breeding, early detection and next-generation biological tools to deliver adaptive, holistic management under changing climatic conditions. Regenerative farming and agri-tech – Linking bio-based solutions, agri-tech and robust MRV (measurement, reporting and verification) technologies to enhance soil health and create measurable environmental and productivity gains. New and diversified production systems – Expanding controlled environment, circular and alternative protein systems to increase resource-efficient, year-round production.   Collectively, these innovation pathways provide a structured framework to guide technology development and practical adoption, helping agri-tech innovators move from concept to market-ready solutions. Dr Ruth Bastow, Chief Technology Officer at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Real progress depends on developing and adopting innovation that drives sustainable systems. To grow the UK’s agri-tech advantage, we need joined-up investment, shared infrastructure and a clear vision that aligns science, policy and business. By working collectively across the sector, we can turn technological breakthroughs into practical tools that drive productivity, resilience and environmental gain.”   This report underlines the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s commitment to supporting agri-tech enterprises in developing, testing and commercialising their technologies through access to world-class facilities, expert guidance and strategic partnerships. By uniting researchers, technology developers, producers and policymakers, the UK Agri-Tech Centre continues to play a crucial role in building a sustainable, globally competitive and tech-enabled agricultural sector.  

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The UK Agri-Tech Centre appoints new CEO

October 9, 2025 No Comments

The UK Agri-Tech Centre has confirmed the appointment of Steve McLean as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous recruitment process. He will officially take up the position on 27 January 2026. Currently serving as Head of Agriculture & Fisheries Sourcing at M&S, Steve brings extensive executive experience and a strong background in driving strategic change. His career spans the retail, agriculture and fisheries industries, with deep involvement across the supply chain. Looking ahead to his new role, Steve shared: “I’m honoured to be joining the UK Agri-Tech Centre at such a pivotal time for British agriculture. The sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the organisation plays a vital role supporting the development of agri-tech innovation, which helps farmers and food producers meet the challenges of sustainability, productivity and resilience. I look forward to working with our partners across the industry to accelerate progress and deliver real impact.” Dr Peter Quinn, Chairman of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, commented on the transition and the progress made under interim CEO Hannah Senior: “Steve’s appointment will be instrumental in building on Hannah’s success, providing strategic leadership to drive growth in the agri-tech sector and supporting businesses to successfully develop and commercialise their products and services.” Although Hannah will be stepping down from her interim role, she will remain involved with the organisation as a member of the Board. Reflecting on her time as interim CEO, Hannah said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the UK Agri-Tech Centre on an interim basis. We’ve taken huge strides to make the business more impactful in supporting innovative companies to develop and commercialise their agricultural technologies, so I couldn’t be more pleased that in the new year it’s Steve, bringing his deep understanding of the value chain and the sector, who will be leading the organisation forward to an exciting future.”   To learn more about the UK Agri-Tech Centre and its initiatives, contact us at [email protected].

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Deepening UK–New Zealand Collaboration in Agri-Tech: Reflections from Fieldays 2025 and Beyond

June 30, 2025 No Comments

In June 2025, the UK Agri-Tech Centre embarked on a strategic mission to New Zealand, reinforcing our commitment to fostering international collaboration in agricultural innovation. Supported by the British High Commission and the UK Department for Business and Trade in New Zealand, the visit built on the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding signed with AgriTech New Zealand, opening new pathways for joint research, innovation and investment. Spanning two action-packed weeks, the programme included engagement with leading researchers, agribusinesses and innovation accelerators across Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Taupo and Tauranga. Central to the visit was our active participation in Fieldays®,the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event with a footfall of over 110,000 people, providing a platform to showcase UK capability and explore collaboration with one of the world’s most dynamic agri-tech ecosystems. James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “New Zealand’s agri-tech sector is already a global player, combining deep farming heritage with digital innovation. Sharing cross-seasonality benefits, the UK and New Zealand both have maritime climates, fertile soils and a strong focus on producing high-quality food for demanding consumers. The UK has much to offer as a complementary partner, including access to our world-class science and research and a base for European markets and beyond. Through this visit, we’ve identified opportunities to work together on supporting Kiwi companies looking to do business or set up in the UK, identifying opportunities for UK companies in NZ and joint projects where we can work together in areas such as sustainability, automation and animal health.”   Highlights from the visit During Fieldays, the UK Agri-Tech Centre engaged with key stakeholders including Fonterra, AgriZeroNZ, Plant and Food NZ, Bovonic and Horticulture New Zealand.Conversations focused on co-developing solutions for sustainable intensification, precision livestock management and low-emissions farming. A highlight was the UK Government-sponsored “Connected for Growth” event in which Carolyn Harris MP (Trade Envoy to New Zealand) gave an address to the Fieldays audience. The event included a panel discussion, where Dr Bethan John, the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Animal Health Specialist, joined global expert leaders to discuss the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of Agri-Tech. Beyond the Fieldays event, site visits further enriched the mission, which included: Sprout Agritech, New Zealand’s premier agrifood-tech accelerator and its portfolio company BioLumic, whose pioneering UV crop treatments have transformative potential. TCS NZ Ltd, developers of automation and digital process control solutions with ambitions to enter the UK market. EKO360 Tnue, whose controlled-release fertiliser technology is helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Cucumber, who are combining custom software development, biosensing innovation and digital strategy to help businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions. Bluelab, a leader in horticultural automation and sensing tools, empowering growers with precision control over their growing environments. Robotics Plus, an agri-tech innovator developing autonomous vehicles and smart automation solutions to tackle labour shortages and boost productivity in horticulture and forestry. Zespri International, the world’s largest kiwifruit marketer, whose scale, innovation and global reach are a testament to New Zealand’s horticultural leadership. Dr Bethan John, Animal Health Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “What stood out throughout our time in New Zealand was the openness to collaborate and the clear alignment in goals—particularly around animal health, food system resilience and sustainability. There’s strong potential to co-create solutions that can collectively benefit farmers, consumers and the planet.” Collaboration to address real-world challenges The visit also provided opportunities to address sector-wide challenges, from labour shortages and climate adaptation to regulatory alignment and farmer adoption of new technologies. Shared values around responsible innovation, One Health and digital transformation were central to many discussions. As we return to the UK, the UK Agri-Tech Centre remains focused on progressing conversations with our New Zealand counterparts. Whether through joint R&D, market entry support or innovation exchange, we are excited to translate dialogue into action—fostering impactful partnerships that support global agricultural resilience. Thank you to all the individuals and organisations who hosted, collaborated and shared their insights. We look forward to the next chapter of agri-tech collaboration between the UK and New Zealand. If you would like to learn more about this visit, international knowledge change or have any questions, please get in touch via [email protected]

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Agri-tech at the forefront of UK Government’s strategy for driving growth

June 23, 2025 No Comments

The UK Agri-Tech Centre has welcomed the UK Government’s recognition of agri-tech as a key ‘frontier’ industry within Advanced Manufacturing, outlined in its Industrial Strategy. It also recognises the sector’s role to deliver ambitious growth, enhance productivity, strengthen climate resistance and reduce the emissions from agriculture. A strategic vision The Strategy, published today (June 23) identifies the high-potential industries that develop and commercialise strategically important technologies and describes how the Government will support their development and growth. It highlights eight priority sectors, with Advanced Manufacturing – encompassing agri-tech – among them. Another key frontier industry is Digital & Technology, which includes Engineering Biology, covering precision breeding supported by a secondary legislation that passed in the House of Commons on May 13, 2025.   Fuelling innovation across the sector The Strategy is a ten-year plan committed to the promotion of free and fair trade through strong international partnerships and the reduction of regulatory burdens, speeding up the development of innovation, including via the Regulatory Innovation Office. It also acknowledges the importance of UK-wide expertise and commits to supporting a nationwide approach to targeting areas across the UK that support the sectors included in the Industrial Strategy. Alongside the Strategy’s publication, Defra has also confirmed its commitment to invest £200 million into the Farming Innovation Programme through to 2030, aiming to help unlock the potential of the agriculture sector.   The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s CEO, Hannah Senior said: “We welcome the UK Government’s recognition of agri-tech as a frontier industry to deliver on ambitions for growth, to boost productivity, build climate resilience and reduce emissions from agriculture. The UK Agri-Tech Centre has a successful record of supporting government ambitions in these areas and has already made an impact in driving company growth and industry adoption. Our nationwide capabilities and deep sector-wide expertise now have even greater potential to be maximised via this Strategy and we shall continue to work with Government, its agencies and the sector to bring it to fruition. We also welcome the Strategy’s ten-year scope: agri-tech requires forward thinking on behalf of innovators and investors, but there are long-term dividends for the economy and society from its successful creation and deployment. The Strategy’s commitment to promote free and fair trade is also critical: there are significant global production needs, but also opportunities. The UK Agri-Tech Centre has established connections in international markets and is therefore well placed to deliver on these ambitions. We also welcome the Government’s recognition of the role of a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation. We are working with the Regulatory Innovation Office and are actively working on unlocking opportunities around regulation for automation & robotics and insect bioconversion. It is encouraging to note the Government’s recognition of the importance of nationwide expertise via strategic clusters; we are proud of our UK-wide suite of cutting-edge facilities and expertise to support the test, trial and adoption of agri-tech innovation – successfully delivering solutions through to commercialisation. Finally, we welcome Defra’s commitment on the back of the Strategy’s publication to allocate £200 million in FIP up to 2030 to support the homegrown adoption of technology that can make a real difference on farms in England and Wales, supporting productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector and the agri-tech companies whose products can enable this.”   To find out more about the Industry Strategy or how the UK Agri-Tech Centre is supporting the growth of the agriculture sector, please get in touch via [email protected]  

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Supporting the future innovators of the agricultural sector: Highlights from Initiate 2025

June 19, 2025 No Comments

The UK Agri-Tech Centre hosted its inaugural flagship event, Initiate, in Birmingham on June 17, bringing together a diverse range of start-ups, SMEs, corporates and industry professionals from across different sectors within the innovation ecosystem. Initiate acts as a launchpad to spark new ideas, fresh collaborations and meaningful conversations that could shape the future of agri-tech. The key objectives of the day were to put emphasis on being a cohesive and collaborative ecosystem, showcasing how, by coming together from our different areas of expertise, we can make a direct impact on the sector. Initiate is designed to create a network that ensures innovators across the ecosystem can get the right support at the right time, helping them transform and elevate their ideas into scalable solutions that address real-world challenges across the agri-food sector.   Morning panel sessions: Ideation to commercialisation The morning featured ‘In Conversation with’ panels – Seed, Germinate and Fertilise – sponsored by Innovate UK ICURe, Satellite Applications Catapult and Barclays. These sessions offered attendees the opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs and experts who have successfully navigated the journey from start-up to scale-up and entering the world of commercialisation. Key takeaways: Prepare to be agile in a constantly evolving landscape Getting the right support at the right time is crucial Collaboration is important but it is critical to choose the right strategic partners Ideas are only as strong as their execution Regulations, misalignment of funding cycles and working in isolation can be a challenge, so identifying timelines and resource requirements early makes a difference     Afternoon workshops: Opening the gate to open innovation Discussions continued into the afternoon, transitioning into workshops that focused on open innovation. These sessions encouraged collaborative discussions between academics, innovators and industry leaders to frame real challenges, propose solutions and explore how emerging technologies can be leveraged to drive progress. Panel 1: Entrepreneurial mindset – The key to making connections and driving mutually beneficial collaboration This session highlighted the need for focus. The advice given was to break down your technology offering into value-chain or operational silos, understand your data needs and deliver a compelling value proposition to your end-user. Panel 2: Gaining competitive advantage – Ensuring you have the right model to scale your business This session highlighted the vast array of research and connectivity that a scaling business needs to undertake before pressing forward to commercialisation. It emphasised the importance of research, validation and finding the right strategic partners. Panel 3: Strengthening the ecosystem: Supporting agri-tech Innovation from the ground up This workshop reinforced a clear takeaway – we are not short of great ideas, but it is essential to have the right infrastructure, including people, platforms and partnerships, to build an agri-tech system that is smarter, faster and well-connected.   Wendy Hewitson, UK Agri-Tech Centre’s External Engagement Manager, summed up the day saying: “Initiate truly lives up to its name. We’ve sparked a powerful network of networks and the next step for us is to ensure that we keep the momentum going. Watch this space for future updates!”   Looking ahead Initiate showcased how fertile the agriculture sector is. It highlighted the potential for cross-sector innovation, where ideas from other industries can be adapted, refined and applied within the sector. It aims to encourage fresh thinking, new value streams and enable companies to become more agile and adapt to fit future regulatory shifts, climatic changes and external pressures. The UK Agri-Tech Centre is a key player in supporting the future of the agriculture sector. Events like Initiate play a crucial role in building a resilient and collaborative ecosystem that supports the scale-up of innovative companies and technologies and we’re looking forward to hosting the next iteration.   If you are interested in learning about how you can be involved in the evolution of the agriculture sector or want to learn more about the Initiate event, get in touch via [email protected]

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ADOPT announces more funding and support to empower farmer innovation

June 17, 2025 No Comments

More information has been released about the ADOPT Fund, including confirmed funding rounds, timescales and how farmers can make the most of this opportunity. This initiative, part of the Farming Innovation Programme funded by Defra and delivered by Innovate UK, aims to support farmer-led research and development projects with significant funding and expert guidance. It offers farmers, growers and foresters in England the opportunity to trial and test practical solutions to on-farm productivity and sustainability challenges. The next round of funding has been announced and it offers farmers the chance to apply for additional support for their innovations – however applicants have until June 25, 2025, to apply for the Full Grant Round 1 of funding. What is ADOPT? ADOPT stands for Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies and is designed specifically for farmer-led innovation, helping farmers turn their ideas into practical trials. The fund provides two types of grants: Support Grants: Up to £2,500 to help develop ideas and bring in expert facilitators Full Project Grants: Between £50,000 and £100,000 for farmer-led projects Farmers can apply directly for a full grant or start with a support grant to develop their ideas first. Why ADOPT Matters ADOPT focuses on testing and trialing ideas or solutions that are either new or not yet widely used. It encourages farmer-led collaboration, working with other farmers, advisers, researchers and partners to significantly improve productivity, resilience and sustainability. The fund aims to demonstrate to other farmers, growers or foresters how these innovations can benefit them through on-farm trials with clear goals and measurable outcomes. What’s open now? Round 1 includes a full grant option for farmer-led, on-farm projects between £50,000 and £100,000, which closes June 25, 2025. Multiple rounds of both Support and Full Grants will run through the rest of 2025 and into early 2026. Facilitator Support Grant   Round Opens Closes Round 2 June 12, 2025 July 23, 2025 Round 3 July 24, 2025 September 2025* Round 4 September 2025 October 2025* Round 5 October 2025 November 2025*   Full ADOPT Grant Round Opens Closes Round 2 June 26, 2025 August 20, 2025 Round 3 August 21, 2025 October 2025* Round 4 December 2025 February 2026* Round 5 To be announced — *Dates subject to change You can apply for a Support Grant and Full Grant in the same or different rounds, depending on what works best for your timeline. Full details and updates can be found on the Farming Innovation Programme.  The ADOPT Support Hub is a consortium that brings together a diverse range of expertise and resources to support farmers throughout their ADOPT-funded projects. The consortium includes: UK Agri-Tech Centre: Provides cutting-edge agricultural technology and innovation to support on-farm trials and research ADAS: Offers expert advice and consultancy services in agriculture, helping farmers design and implement effective trials Innovative Farmers (part of Soil Association): Facilitates farmer-led research and collaboration, promoting sustainable and organic farming practices   The Support Hub offers free and fully-funded expert guidance and advice, helping farmers develop their project ideas, apply to ADOPT, find collaborators and share results to maximise impact. Thomas Slattery, Farming Innovation Support Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The consortium is here to help you every step of the way and we want farmers to benefit from as much help and support as possible to benefit the industry. We offer one-to-one advice from real people, help with understanding the eligibility and can give feedback on draft applications. Help is available to make the process as smooth as possible and enable farmers to benefit from this support. The consortium can connect applicants to facilitators, collaborators and events, whilst offering support with webinars, FAQs and practical guidance.” Tips for applicants There are multiple rounds throughout the year and into 2026, so potential applicants have time to consider their options if they are not ready straight away. Applicants should save their answers outside of the system if they have already started an application, as any unsubmitted forms won’t carry over. Whilst you can go straight to apply for a full grant, there is an optional support grant available to help with the process, which often helps to build a stronger case. For more information about the ADOPT Fund and Support Hub visit https://farmpep.net/adopt/front or contact them on 0800 9878006 or [email protected]    

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Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership

June 2, 2025 No Comments

We know how challenging it can be for SMEs at a relatively late stage in the R&D process to secure funding. Meeting investors who have a track record in investing in start-ups at this point is critical. In response to this difficulty, Defra and Innovate UK have launched the second round of their highly successful Innovation Investor Partnership. From Monday, June 2, UK-registered SMEs developing agri-innovation will be able to apply for a share of up to five million pounds. According to the Investor Partnership rules, this “must be aligned with private investment from selected investor partners”. Participants could also get the opportunity to pitch their business to a large pool of engaged investors. The competition opens on Monday, June 2, 2025 and closes on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11am. The competition aims to: Develop ambitious late-stage innovative solutions, technologies, systems or approaches that will make significant steps towards improving productivity, profitability, increasing sustainability and resilience; Help the agriculture sector move towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050; and Support the commercialisation of late-stage experimental development projects that are close to market and ultimately their adoption by farmers.   Proposals must demonstrate how the project will benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England. UPP, which operates out of the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Hub was successful in the previous round of the Investor Partnership, securing over £350,000 in grant funding from Defra, and more than £700,000 in private investment. The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Business Growth Manager and agri-tech investment specialist, Jos Lovegrove-Fielden said: “This is a real opportunity for businesses to meet a selected pool of engaged investors and in parallel, bring in grant funding if successful in securing investment. “The Investor Partnerships programme provides a unique vehicle to accelerate businesses from concept and start scaling. Many companies that we work with should be encouraged to apply. “If you are a business beginning to look at a late seed or Series A round, please consider looking.” For more information, click here. For a full list of participating investors, click here. A webinar for interested SMEs will take place on Thursday, June 5, at 11am: Register now.   If you would like to know more about this Farming Innovation Investor Partnership or any other current funding opportunities, please get in touch via [email protected]  

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