The UK Agri-Tech Centre organises, manages and delivers visits from all over the world. We facilitate knowledge exchange, forge connections and explore opportunities with overseas companies and organisations.
We recently hosted a delegation from the Netherlands in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade at the Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub. Aimed at showcasing UK agri-tech innovation and capabilities, we hosted a range of Dutch companies and organisations including those who specialise in developing robotic and imaging systems, software for smart farms and smart horticulture and building management. We were also delighted to welcome Wageningen University & Research – a world leading education and research organisation focused on agriculture and related life sciences.
James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre said:
“The day comprised of insightful presentations both from the UK and Netherlands, tours of the facilities and business services offered to international companies plus plenty of networking.
Connecting and inspiring is a big part of what we do at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, and we were lucky to be joined by several UK Agri-Tech Centre members including one of Europe’s leading, fully integrated fresh produce companies – G’s Fresh, plus weed control and scouting robotics company, Earth Rover and Sugarox, who are developing game-changing biostimulant technology.”
Paul Meikle, Senior Adviser – Agri, Food & Drink, Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy Netherlands said:
“What an outstanding visit to the UK Agri Tech Centre’s Midlands Hub as part of the Department for Business & Trade’s Netherlands Agri-Tech mission. Exciting to see Dutch and UK agri and horti tech innovators come together to share ideas, discuss solutions to our shared global challenges and to explore the abundant support on offer to companies in the UK.”
Why the Netherlands?
- It is the second-largest exporter of agricultural goods worldwide.
- It exports over €65bn annually of agricultural produce.
- As a global leader in Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA), it hosts more than 10,000ha of greenhouse horticulture.
- It has over 11,000 arable farms and more than 2000+ organic farms.
- A vibrant ecosystem of universities and research centres drive collaboration and continued innovation across the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
- The UK and the Netherlands face common challenges in vegetable and fruit production, including sustainability, labour challenges, and water management.
This delegation visit gave us the opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities in the Netherlands agricultural sector and to build connections with organisations and companies who are looking to collaborate with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, or who might be looking to set up a presence in the UK. We have a range of international members in our community and can offer tailored support to accelerating their agri-tech ambitions.