Building on the momentum from a successful knowledge scoping and networking initiative in 2023/24, the UK Agri-Tech Centre has recently completed a bilateral programme of knowledge exchange visits between the UK and Spain.
Last week (March 10), a delegation of leading Spanish research institutes, organisations and agri-tech innovators was welcomed to the UK. This reciprocal visit followed a UK delegation visit to Spain in January 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between both countries.
Developed in partnership with the UK Science and Innovation Network and the Department for Business and Trade, the programme has fostered valuable knowledge sharing, forged new relationships and provided a platform to showcase the strength of the UK’s agri-tech innovation ecosystem.
Over the course of a busy week, the Spanish delegation visited some of the UK’s foremost research centres and agri-tech institutions, including Rothamsted Research, NIAB, The James Hutton Institute and Harper Adams University. In addition, they toured commercial farms and agricultural facilities and participated in targeted networking sessions at the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub.
Highlights from the UK visit:
Rothamsted Research
As one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious agricultural research centres, Rothamsted is at the forefront of sustainable farming, focusing on crop science, soil health and tackling critical global challenges such as food security, biodiversity loss and climate change.
NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany)
NIAB plays a vital role in bridging cutting-edge science with on-the-ground agricultural practice. With expertise in crop genetics, plant breeding and agronomy, NIAB supports farmers and industry through applied research and knowledge transfer.
Harper Adams University
Harper Adams is a leader in higher education and research for agri-food and land-based industries. With strengths in precision farming, engineering, and animal sciences, the university collaborates closely with industry to address the pressing challenges faced by modern agriculture.
The Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub
This hub provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources for SMEs and researchers to trial and develop new agricultural technologies. It plays a key role in enhancing productivity and sustainability across the agri-food supply chain, fostering links between academia and industry.
The James Hutton Institute
Globally recognised for its expertise in land use, environmental sciences and food systems, The James Hutton Institute integrates agricultural and ecological research to develop solutions for climate resilience, sustainable soils and water resource management.
James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said:
“While this marks the conclusion of our bilateral visits between the UK and Spain, it opens the door to exciting new collaborations in agri-tech. It has been a pleasure to host the Spanish delegation and explore areas of mutual interest, from biofertilisers and insect protein to water management, digital farming and traceability.
The group has been highly impressed by the UK’s agri-tech innovation capabilities and the collaborative spirit of the agri-tech ecosystem, which brings together expertise across the sector and is being driven by the UK Agri-Tech Centre.
Both the UK and Spain face shared challenges in delivering sustainable, resilient and productive food systems. These visits are crucial in connecting experts from both countries to share knowledge, explore opportunities and spark partnerships that will help tackle these challenges head-on.”
Victoria González Mercado from Tebrio attended the visit as one of the delegates from Spain. She said:
“We have visited some of the most cutting-edge agri-tech research centres in the UK and gotten to see firsthand how innovation is reshaping the agri-food sector. For companies like Tebrio which are committed to sustainable solutions based on biotechnology, these kinds of exchanges are essential: they allow us to learn, share ideas and continue evolving to amplify our impact.
Being part of this UK Agri-Tech Centre visit, alongside other pioneering companies in biotechnology and agriculture, has been an invaluable experience. The exchange of knowledge, ideas and connections is what drives true innovation.”
With strengthened ties and fresh insights, the UK Agri-Tech Centre looks forward to supporting future collaborations between the UK and Spain.