Archives: News & Insights

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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Innovative kelp extracts boost barley yield in nutrient efficiency trials

November 6, 2025 No Comments

A collaborative project exploring how kelp extracts can enhance nutrient management in farming continues to show strong progress, thanks to support from Innovate UK and several leading industry partners. The project, ‘Assessing Sugar Kelp Extracts as a Nutrient Management Tool (SKE-NMT)’, is being led by Algapelago Marine Ltd, working closely with fellow kelp cultivators Atlantic Mariculture Ltd, as well as research partners The James Hutton Institute (JHI) and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. The project focuses on three key goals: Sustainable extraction and preservation of new seaweed biostimulants: Atlantic Mariculture has taken the lead in developing sustainable extraction and preservation techniques using cultivated Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) as feedstock. The company has refined several wet processing methods that avoid the need for energy-intensive drying or milling, creating a route to year-round production that minimises waste while maximising recovery of valuable bioactive compounds. By relying on cultivation rather than wild-harvested kelp, Atlantic Mariculture aims to demonstrate that seaweed-based agricultural inputs can expand sustainably without depleting marine ecosystems. Dr Adrian Macleod, Innovation Manager at Atlantic Mariculture, said: “As demand for marine biomass continues to grow, seaweed cultivation offers a scalable and sustainable route to meeting future resource needs. Cultivation enables consistent quality and supply while actively supporting Scotland’s Blue Carbon Action Plan and the Circular Economy Act 2024. By growing seaweed rather than harvesting it from the wild, we can deliver ecosystem services and create new opportunities for sustainable marine products.” Demonstrating evidence for improved nutrient use efficiency: Researchers at The James Hutton Institute designed and ran a controlled glasshouse experiment to determine whether the kelp extracts could improve nutrient uptake under fertiliser-limited conditions. The trial focused on mitigations against the effects of nitrogen limitation in barley and phosphorus limitation in beans. Dr Gordon McDougall, Head of Plant Biochemistry and Food Quality Group at JHI, said: “The glasshouse trial is now completed and initial results indicated that the tested new seaweed extracts all had significant positive effects on barley grain yield at certain nitrogen levels. This is an excellent result and we hypothesise that this indicates an improvement in how the barley plants assimilate and use nitrogen, which we are testing by analysing the plant material for differences in nutrient uptake and the soil samples for changes in microbiota composition.”       Understanding grower needs and market potential: Algapelago has also launched a comprehensive market research effort to map current demand for seaweed-based biostimulants across the UK agricultural sector, with a focus on the South West. Through 30 interviews with growers, ranging from small one-acre market gardens to 3,500-acre arable farms, the team identified widespread interest in on-farm trials, particularly within arable, fresh produce and soft-fruit sectors with seaweed-based biostimulants being commonly used across all market segments. Growers cited quality, nutrient efficiency and yield as primary drivers for adopting biological inputs, while sustainability remained an added value rather than the sole motivation. Reducing dependence on expensive chemical fertilisers (NPK) emerged as the most common reason for exploring alternatives. As a result, Algapelago and Atlantic Mariculture see an opportunity to leverage findings from the successful trial at The James Hutton Institute to shape product positioning.   Kerr Jeferies, Market Development Manager at Algapelago Marine, said: “It’s important to acknowledge the scepticism that many farmers have towards biostimulants in general, particularly smaller, family-owned operations, that are priced out of the current market. However, seaweed-based solutions benefit from some traditional familiarity, particularly where their forebears have used beach-cast seaweeds to improve nutrition before the mass adoption of synthetic fertilisers and crop protection. A desire to pursue more local, circular solutions is of real interest to growers; similarly, our position as cultivators and farmers of seaweed resonates strongly amongst growers, as they appreciate the effort and ethics of cultivation versus wild-harvest market incumbents. Still, we must first build a highly robust case for the specific impacts and benefits of our products to overcome grower switching costs.” Martin Sutcliffe, Head of Agri-Systems at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “What this project and market research shows is there is a desire to use seaweed-based biostimulants, but there is still some scepticism from farmers about the ‘how and why’. Grounding the development of these products in sound data and combining this with understanding the needs of the sectors, will help to remove some of these barriers. The trials at The James Hutton Institute have clearly given a strong indication that biostimulants can be a part of the solutions to driving up production, increasing yield and sustainability while reducing the sector’s traditional reliance on fertiliser use.”   For more information about the Assessing Sugar Kelp Extracts as a Nutrient Management Tool project or to register interest in upcoming field trials, contact Kerr Jeferies at [email protected]. Learn more about related UK Agri-Tech Centre initiatives by getting in touch at [email protected].

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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 top three ways to bring your agri-tech closer to commercialisation

October 24, 2025 No Comments

Michael Reardon, Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, shares practical steps that’ll help your agri-tech solution not just get off the ground, but thrive in the real world. Agri-tech is rewriting the rulebook for food production—think advanced sensors and AI to controlled environments and robotics in the field. If you’re already involved in developing tech, you’re helping to shape a future where agriculture is more sustainable, productive and profitable. Turning bright ideas into real-world solutions isn’t easy. Many agri-tech innovations get stuck in that tricky patch between coming up with a great concept and seeing it used on farms. It’s where projects can stall from a lack of funding, real-world proof or support. To bridge that gap, you need to inspire real confidence, not just from the end-user, but from the whole supply chain. Showcasing your innovation’s real-world value is what gets people excited, invested and ready to make your idea the next industry game-changer. Here’s how to bridge the gap:   Validate with real-world data and tools You’ve got a promising idea or even a working prototype. But before you go all-in, you need to know: will it actually work in the real world? That’s where validation comes in. By testing your tech in environments that reflect actual market conditions, you can gather the evidence you need to move forward. It’s about putting your innovation through its paces—running experiments, collecting data and seeing how it performs with real users. This helps you confirm what’s working, spot what needs refining and avoid costly missteps later on. Having solid, practical evidence isn’t just useful; it shows investors, partners and early adopters that your solution isn’t just clever, it’s also commercially viable and ready to scale. If you’re at that stage, the UK Agri-Tech Centre offers access to commercial-scale, controlled environments, such as the Vertical Farming Development Centre, Marine Aquaculture Innovation Centre and the South West Dairy Development Centre. These aren’t just test sites. They’re innovation playgrounds, equipped with advanced sensors, AI and data analytics to help you validate your tech in a meaningful way. If you’re ready to turn your prototype into a proven solution, this is your chance to do it with confidence.   Data-backed innovation: Drone technology to support strawberry pollination The UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported Polybee to validate drone technology in controlled environments, ensuring that it can work safely within the daily operations of commercial growers.   Put your tech to the test on real farms Getting your innovation onto a working farm is a real game-changer, giving you fast, flexible testing. Whether it’s in a high-tech greenhouse or out in the field, you can tweak, prove and showcase your technology where it actually matters. When you test in real farm settings, you get to work with farmers, co-developing your tech with those who’ll use it means you’re not just being innovative, you’re making sure your solution is practical and solves real problems. That’s how you take the risk out of commercial adoption. The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s network of 25 farms across the UK enables you to test, learn and improve your product quickly. Our farm network has supported over 40 collaborative projects, providing innovators like you with the support needed to transition from prototype to proven product. Field tested: Chirrup Nano The UK Agri-Tech Centre invited 100 farmers to trial the groundbreaking nature monitoring tech, helping to refine it before a wider rollout. Tap into agri-tech expertise Whether you need troubleshooting, technical know-how or business strategy, expert support keeps your project moving and helps you sidestep common pitfalls. The UK Agri-Tech Centre team are experts in horticulture, aquaculture and livestock, combining market savvy with in-depth technical know-how. That means they’re perfectly placed to help you figure out exactly how your tech could work in the real world. Plus, with a powerhouse network of specialists behind you, you’ll have all the support you need to overcome challenges and push your innovation further. Expertise in action: Lupin Loop This project is looking at the improvement of region-specific agronomy traits of lupin production and processing of lupin into a range of ingredients and food products. The UK Agri-Tech Centre team supported every step, bringing project management expertise, sharing commercial and scientific insights and helping to communicate the project’s impact to the broader industry. Ready to make your innovation a reality? If you want to bring your tech closer to commercialisation, get in touch with us at [email protected].

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Sugar kelp extract boosts wheat yields and farm profitability

October 23, 2025 No Comments

A project exploring efficient, low-energy techniques for processing cultivated kelp into soil biostimulants and animal feed supplements has achieved a significant breakthrough, according to its latest findings. Algapelago, a farmer-led seaweed biotechnology company managing an offshore kelp farm, has worked alongside Rothamsted Research and the UK Agri-Tech Centre to test the effectiveness of these products under conditions of abiotic stress. The Innovate UK-funded project, Optimising Low Energy Extraction of Kelp for Soil and Livestock Nutrition (known as ‘Low Energy Kelp’), focuses on creating sustainable agricultural inputs derived from cultivated seaweed. Interest in seaweed-based biostimulants is rapidly growing within agriculture, thanks to their ability to stimulate plant growth, enhance stress tolerance and improve nutrient use efficiency, all while offering a renewable and environmentally beneficial alternative to chemical inputs. Currently, most agri-seaweed products rely on wild-harvested sources. However, as policy continues to push for reductions in chemical fertiliser use, the demand for cultivated seaweed-derived biostimulants and feed supplements is set to grow exponentially. Despite this, the biochemical mechanisms driving seaweed’s beneficial impact on crops are still not fully understood. In collaboration with subcontractor Atlantic Mariculture, Algapelago has now refined a low-energy extraction process that produces a consistent, high-quality biostimulant with considerable commercial potential.   What did the research show? To determine optimal application rates and methods for Algapelago’s prototype biostimulant ‘TD65’, two controlled experiments were undertaken. The first investigated the impact of four different rates of foliar applications on wheat and field bean yields under both well-watered and drought-stressed conditions and the second investigated whether foliar application or soil application had the greatest impact on yields of wheat. The goals of the first experiment were to identify the most effective application rate of TD65 under normal growing conditions and to explore whether any yield advantage was maintained during drought stress. In the second trial, researchers aimed to determine whether observed benefits came from direct physiological effects on plants or through stimulation of soil microbial activity, which could improve nutrient availability and uptake. For the dosage study, wheat and field beans were cultivated in 10 cm diameter × 90 cm deep intact clay-loam soil cores suitable for both ambient and drought-stress testing. In the application method study, plants were grown in 2L pots containing either sieved soil or glass beads (to simulate a hydroponic system), allowing a comparison between crops grown with and without soil microbes. Three application types were tested: foliar only, soil only and foliar plus soil microbes. In all cases, results were benchmarked against control plants grown without the biostimulant. Results showed that the optimal application rate led to a 53% increase in wheat grain yield, driven by a 45% increase in grain number compared to control values [1]. No benefits were observed under drought-stressed conditions. In the application method experiment, the application method didn’t affect the yields of wheat in either growing medium, although the plants grown in the hydroponic system significantly outperformed those grown in soil. Researchers recommend further studies to examine the timing of applications at different growth stages and to test under additional drought scenarios. Trials using varying fertiliser levels are also advised, as the biostimulant may perform better under more nutrient-limited conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that seaweed-derived biostimulants can deliver measurable yield improvements in certain growing environments.   Luke Ansell, Head of Operations at Algapelago Marine, said: “The completion of the Rothamsted crop trials is a significant milestone for the project and wider product development. Thanks to the Rothamsted team for all their hard work and we are thrilled to see a 53% yield increase in wheat grain due to this prototype sugar kelp extract. This result has validated our belief in the quality of our cultivated sugar kelp and extraction method. While we await the full analysis results from this study, a wider trial program is underway across soft fruits, field and root vegetables which will further build the evidence base for product efficacy. Meanwhile our sister Farming Futures project is investigating the impact of kelp extracts on crop nutrient use efficiency.”   Impact This project demonstrates that rope-grown sugar kelp can play a vital role in strengthening UK food resilience, improving soil health and helping to reduce carbon emissions and nitrate dependency, aligning closely with goals outlined in the Government Food Strategy. Cultivated kelp provides a sustainable source of potash, micronutrients and bioactive compounds, while its offshore farming supports biodiversity by offering habitat and nourishment for various marine species, including commercially important fish species. Professor Adie Collins, Science Director at Rothamsted Research, said: “At a time when yields and corresponding profits are under pressure from a range of abiotic and biotic stresses, biostimulant research offers a glimmer of hope to farmers in an ever more challenging world.” Building on earlier feasibility work, this project has optimised the two-stage liquid extraction and ensiling process for kelp, producing consistent and scalable agricultural products. Dr. Saro Rengaraj, Innovation Associate for Soil Health at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, added: “From sea to soil, kelp builds resilience and grows results. Algapelago’s kelp biostimulants could boost soil resilience, nutrient cycling and microbial health – sustainably enhancing crop productivity.” [1]. N.B. Yield metrics have been updated 30/10/2025 to align with Rothamsted Research results. For more information, get in touch at [email protected].

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Antler Bio: Harnessing epigenomics to transform dairy farming

October 23, 2025 No Comments

Founded in 2020, Antler Bio is a pioneering biotech SME headquartered in Dublin, with operations in the UK and Finland. With a growing team of 16 employees, the company is reshaping livestock productivity and sustainability through its flagship innovation: EpiHerd. EpiHerd is the world’s first epigenomic testing platform for dairy cows. Unlike traditional genetic testing, EpiHerd provides a deeper understanding by examining how genes are expressed in response to diet and environment. Through a simple blood test, farmers receive actionable insights on how to optimise herd health, productivity and welfare while reducing environmental impact. Originally proven in the equine sector on Standardbred racehorses, Antler Bio quickly recognised the potential to apply its technology to livestock, starting with the dairy industry, where improved productivity and sustainability are high priorities. However, entering a traditional farming sector with a novel, complex technology presented a significant challenge.   Path to commercialisation In 2021, Antler Bio partnered with the UK Agri-Tech Centre to accelerate its entry into the livestock market. This collaboration provided: Sector insights – Understanding the needs of UK farmers, the challenges facing the industry and where commercial opportunities lay. Funding support – Guidance in securing an Innovate UK Smart Grant, enabling the company to demonstrate proof of concept in dairy cattle. Industry validation – Practical advice on pricing, user experience and data presentation to ensure the technology was accessible and relevant for farmers.   With this foundation, EpiHerd advanced rapidly from concept formulation (technology-readiness level 2-3) to testing and demonstrating (technology-readiness level 6-7). By 2023, the technology was soft-launched commercially and is now used by over 100 farms, primarily in Northern Europe, with growing adoption in the UK. The results from early adopters included: Up to 22% increase in milk yield Up to 6% increase in milk fat Up to 5% increase in milk protein within six months   This measurable impact on productivity and profitability has helped Antler Bio secure private investment, raising £650k in 2023 and a further £3.25m in 2025.   The power of collaboration Antler Bio’s journey highlights how collaboration can turn scientific innovation into commercial success. Through collaboration with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, they were able to bridge the gap between breakthrough biotechnology and the realities of farming. From grant applications and market insights to introductions across the agriculture ecosystem, our support was described as “instrumental in the early days” of Antler Bio’s growth. As a result, Antler Bio has grown from a three-person start-up into a successful, revenue-generating business with a rapidly scaling product. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand EpiHerd to new species and explore opportunities with feed producers, veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies, unlocking even greater value from the epigenomic data it collects. Thanks to its strong foundations and strategic collaborations, the company is well on its way to transforming livestock farming for a more productive, profitable and sustainable future.   Listen to the podcast If you want to learn more about AntlerBio or want to explore how we can support your innovation journey, get in touch today at [email protected].

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Global agri-tech SME wins Innovator of the Year

October 22, 2025 No Comments

The British Farming Awards were held last week (16 October) at The Vox in Birmingham, where the UK Agri-Tech Centre had the privilege of presenting the Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year award. Each year, the British Farming Awards, organised by Farmers Guardian and sponsored by Morrisons, shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of farmers and professionals driving the UK’s agricultural industry forward. Now in its 13th year, the event recognises pioneering farmers and businesses across all sectors who are advancing progress in science, technology, food production and sustainability. Honouring the very best in British agriculture, the awards highlight achievements across a range of categories, from innovative new entrants and multi-staff enterprises to the much-anticipated Innovator of the Year title. This year’s Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year award went to Herdwatch, a company deeply rooted in farming innovation and known for transforming livestock management through smart digital tools. Their recognition celebrates the concept of ‘Herd Intelligence’, embodied by the app’s virtual assistant, ‘Herdi by Herdwatch’. The feature integrates farming expertise, local insight and advanced AI to deliver accurate, personalised advice to farmers directly through the Herdwatch app. The software-as-a-service platform is now trusted by over 22,000 farmers across Ireland, the UK and the United States, allowing them to manage herds and flocks anytime, anywhere. This data-driven approach empowers farmers to make informed decisions that improve efficiency and productivity. Since its early days, Herdwatch has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its team and operations. The company is now based at a state-of-the-art facility at the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Hub in Newport. Founder and CEO Fabien Peyaud began his journey in the IT sector and was given the opportunity to test his forward-thinking ideas before establishing his own venture. Balancing two jobs in the beginning, Fabien spent evenings and weekends developing the concept that would become Herdwatch. By collaborating with partners to scale the business, the company has helped farmers boost productivity and reportedly save around three hours per week through smarter farm management. James Greevy, Director of Product at Herdwatch, said: “The goal is to make complex farm data useful in real time. Farmers are drowning in data spread across too many places. Herd Intelligence brings it together—herd records, breeding information, compliance—and gives one clear answer a farmer can act on immediately. It is like having a farm manager, who is an expert in all of this plus knows everything about your herd.” Pat Bolger, Director of Technology, said: “Your farm data never leaves your account. Herd Intelligence doesn’t share it, store it or learn from it—it’s private advice, built for you alone.” Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The British Farming Awards was a fantastic event to celebrate the best of British agriculture and the essential role each business who attended plays. The competition was close, but it was a privilege to support the event by announcing Herdwatch as the winner of the Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year. We have witnessed Herdwatch’s business journey as they have grown within the hub and look forward to seeing what’s next for them.”   If you would like to learn more about Herdwatch, the Innovator of the Year award or have any questions about the UK Agri-Tech Centre, please get in touch at: [email protected]

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Agri-tech in action at the UK Agri-Tech Centre: A September roundup

October 17, 2025 No Comments

From industry insights to supporting businesses to develop cutting-edge innovation across  AI, robotics and automation and CEA, to thought-provoking conversations at events, we share our top activity of the month to help you stay informed about all things agri-tech.   The UK Agri-Tech Centre appoints new CEO Exciting news! The UK Agri-Tech Centre has confirmed the appointment of Steve McLean as its new Chief Executive Officer. After a thorough and competitive recruitment process, Steve will officially step into his new role on 27 January 2026. Currently, heading up Agriculture & Fisheries Sourcing at M&S, Steve brings with him executive experience and a strong background in driving strategic change.   Steve McLean to join as CEO       Carbon clarity: Aligning assessments with sector needs   As the agri-food sector faces growing pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions and move faster toward net zero, one big question is emerging: are carbon assessment tools truly fit for purpose? In our latest report, developed with Farm Carbon Toolkit, we dive into how these tools can better reflect the needs and ambitions of farmers, growers and supply chain partners. From practical adoption to data accuracy, standardisation, financial support and innovation, we share insights and recommendations for everyone working toward a lower-carbon future. Free download: carbon clarity         Can drones help grow better strawberries? A groundbreaking initiative is exploring how robotics and AI can revolutionise the way strawberries are grown. At the heart of the project? Autonomous drones that mimic the airflow needed for pollen transfer — a clever solution to the growing challenges of large-scale natural pollination and it’s one of the first of its kind in the UK.   Could this be the future of fruit farming?         How is agri-tech helping farmers protect biodiversity? From uncovering elusive species to tracking the subtle changes in ecosystems, today’s agri-tech tools are transforming the agricultural landscape. They’re not just instruments for increasing yields—they’re emerging as vital allies in the critical battle for biodiversity preservation. On World Habitat Day, we delved into four groundbreaking ways that technology is empowering farmers to nurture their land while simultaneously enhancing its natural resilience. Picture smart sensors, real-time data analytics and integrated systems that provide farmers with a deeper understanding of the ecosystems they influence every single day.   Think agri-tech is just about efficiency? Discover how it’s helping nature thrive     What if we could see beyond what the human eye can detect? Hyperspectral imaging unlocks invisible insights by capturing hundreds of wavelengths, revealing early signs of disease long before symptoms appear. It’s a game-changer for agriculture. The UK Agri-Tech Centre is helping innovators use advanced sensors such as hyperspectral imaging in adapting their solutions. We collaborate with growers to test and refine their solutions, paving the way for agri-tech breakthroughs.     Hyperspectral imaging could accelerate your agri-tech solution         Find all our stories in the monthly newsletter by the UK Agri-Tech Centre – sign up here.  

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