The UK Agri-Tech Centre backs Farm24
As part of Farm24, powered by Farmers Guardian and sponsored by Morrisons, we are shining a light on those working behind the scenes to help drive transformation, whether through the adoption of new agricultural technology or the introduction of innovative, time-saving ideas. We are proud to work alongside amazing collaborators all year round. We work with farmers and innovators across the industry who work tirelessly to get nutritious food on your plate; delivering innovative solutions to agriculture’s most complex challenges, including climate pressures, rising energy costs and shifting demands.
What are we working on?
Tackling waste, boosting nutrition – leftover broccoli used for protein outputs
In an effort to tackle food waste, the UK Agri-Tech Centre worked with UPP on their broccoli harvesting project, SusProt. This innovative sensor technology provides a sustainable choice and helps provide more nutritious food options for the consumer, while also maximising the value of what we grow. By ensuring 100% of the plant is put to good use, rather than the typical 30%, UPP are helping to reduce food waste, lower food miles and ensures more broccoli makes it to the supermarket shelves.
From daffodils to dairy cows
Working with researchers and partners, we are exploring how a specific alkaloid found in daffodils can reduce methane emissions and improve the efficiency of feed protein utilisation by 50%. The ‘Dancing with Daffodils’ project benefits agriculture and society by enhancing productivity, reducing the need of high- cost, imported feed materials, improving food security and providing rural job opportunities.
Strawberry pollination by drones
We have collaborated on the ‘Precision Pollination’ project, which uses drone technology to enhance fruit yield and quality in UK strawberries. By using changes in airflow, these drones aid pollination efforts, giving growers better forecasting tools. This project aims to drive advancements in food security, sustainability, increased production and improved fruit quality.
Early detection of lameness in dairy cows
Lameness remains a major challenge within the dairy sector, so we are supporting HoofCount’s ‘Pedivue’ – a device that enables farmers to detect lameness at an early stage by visualising changes to hoof health. This allows farmers to intervene with early treatment, to help cut down future vet costs, improving animal health and welfare and producing higher quality milk.
Innovation rooted in real-world challenges
Technology continues to open doors for smarter, more sustainable farming. The UK Agri-Tech Centre is helping to drive the future of farming by connecting people, ideas and solutions, working with our partners and collaborators to tackle the challenges faced by farmers and agri-tech businesses. Let’s celebrate the future of farming, powered by passion, driven by innovation and rooted in collaboration.
Join the conversation, support British farming and see how technology is helping us grow better, together.
