Building on the success of a knowledge scoping and networking initiative in 2023/24, the UK Agri-Tech Centre is set to launch a series of bilateral knowledge exchange visits between the UK and Spain in 2025. These visits, developed in partnership with the UK Science and Innovation Network and the Department for Business and Trade, aim to foster collaboration and innovation across both countries’ agricultural sectors.
UK to Spain Delegation opportunity
As part of this new initiative, four UK agri-tech companies and four UK research institutes will be selected to join a delegation for a targeted visit to Spain in January 2025. Over the course of a week, participants will engage in an intensive, curated programme designed to offer an in-depth exploration of Spain’s agricultural landscape.
This visit will focus on enhancing sustainable production, promoting one health initiatives and exploring intelligent agriculture solutions. It presents a unique opportunity for UK companies to gain insights into Spain’s agricultural challenges and technology needs while forging new partnerships that could benefit farmers and producers in both nations.
Programme objectives
The core aims of the visit programme are to:
- Identify key challenges and technology gaps in both the UK and Spanish agricultural sectors.
- Establish connections with Spanish partners to facilitate technology trials and validation, potentially leading to export opportunities and foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Explore Spain’s R&D landscape and uncover opportunities for collaboration in bilateral or multilateral projects, including Horizon Europe.
- Encourage networking to foster partnerships and collaborative innovation between UK and Spanish organisations.
- Showcase UK expertise at partner events, while exchanging ideas and technological innovations with Spanish counterparts.
Areas of focus: sustainable agriculture and future technologies
The programme invites applications from agri-tech companies and research institutes working in:
- Biodiversity improvement
- Biological controls
- Regenerative agriculture
- Plant and soil health
- Digitisation and robotics
These focus areas represent key priorities for both UK and Spanish agricultural industries, highlighting the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Key Dates: Preparing for the 2025 Visit
- Applications open: October 2024
- Application deadline: 2nd December 2024
- Pre-visit briefing webinar: 9th January 2025
- UK to Spain visit: 27th–31st January 2025
Support for participants
The UK Agri-Tech Centre will cover flights, accommodation, in-market travel, group meals, and event fees for successful applicants. Each participating organisation will be represented by one individual and will be expected to act as ambassador for UK innovation, sharing outcomes and insights from the visit through various channels such as webinars, case studies, and social media.