Introduction to agri-tech event

Agri-TechE Article
Agri-TechE
Laura Bouvet
Laura Bouvet

“This event is an introduction to agriculture and horticulture for anyone new to the industry, thinking about tapping into this market, or looking to expand their understanding.

We’ll take you through who to engage with, how decisions are made, and the intricacies of the supply chain – to help you get the most from this dynamic sphere!”

Knowledge Exchange Manager, Agri-TechE

Agri-TechE ’s Agriculture for Innovators event is an annual one-day event designed for professionals eager to explore the agricultural industry and its market potential.

Agriculture for Innovators is designed for those exploring opportunities in agri-tech – whether you’re someone looking at market opportunities in agritech or transitioning into an agriculture-related role. The programme covers key topics like farming life, funding, policy, supply chains, and the future of agriculture.

Agriculture faces major challenges, from labour shortages to climate change. Understanding these issues is essential for anyone working in agriculture – and that’s where Agriculture for Innovators helps. Launched in 2019 at the request of our network, this annual event equips participants with the insights and connections needed to thrive in the industry. We take you through who to engage with, how decisions are made, and the intricacies of the supply chain to help attendees get the most from our dynamic industry.

By the end of the day, attendees will understand market drivers, emerging technologies, and how to navigate the agri-tech landscape, with valuable industry contacts to support their journey.

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Why Attend Ag101?

Gain practical, actionable insights: At Ag101, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the real issues faced on-farm, such as how farmers take advice, the kinds of challenges they encounter, and the innovative solutions they adopt. This insight is invaluable for anyone in the agricultural supply chain, from tech developers to HR and finance professionals, who need to understand the bigger picture of the industry they support.

Connect with key players across the industry: Farmers are at the heart of agriculture, but they don’t work alone. The agricultural industry relies on a network of relationships that guide farmers in their decision-making. By understanding these relationships, you can better tailor your approaches to connect with the right people. This event offers a rare chance to hear directly from those involved in the day-to-day business of farming, providing personal insights that are often difficult to access.

Navigate the agricultural supply chain: Agriculture isn’t just about what happens on the farm. It’s the first stage in a complex global supply chain that includes processing, manufacturing, packaging, and transport before food reaches the consumer. At Ag101, you’ll explore these interconnected stages, gaining insights into how each segment impacts the others and where innovation could provide solutions.

Explore funding opportunities: Innovation requires financial backing, and navigating the various funding streams can be daunting. At Ag101, you’ll receive practical advice on the available funding options, from early-stage grants to commercialisation support.

Want to join the next event?

We’re working on dates for 2026, but in the meantime, submit your email below and we’ll let you know when dates are announced.

You may also like our Agri-TechE Meets series; inspired by agriculture’s inclusion in the Modern Industrial Strategy. These events will explore the exciting innovation opportunities at the interface between different sectors. Dates TBA!

If you’re new to agri-tech, read more about the opportunities in this space on our dedicated page.

10 practical tips for agri-tech start-ups in 2025

Agri-TechE Article
Agri-TechE

Starting up is exhilarating – and exhausting. Whether you’re pitching to investors, building your first team, or just trying to stay afloat, the early days are full of decisions that shape your future.

In agri-tech, those decisions are magnified by a sector in flux. With venture capital caution rising, big traditional ag players under pressure, and climate-focused funds stepping in with new priorities, start-ups need to adapt – not just to secure funding, but to build meaningful partnerships and scale effectively.

Drawing on insights from investor Mark Brooks, Chair of Niab David Buckeridge, and the Agri-TechE  network, here are 10 practical tips to help agri-tech founders navigate the road ahead.

 

1. Show a clear path to your vision

“Have an ambitious vision,” says David Buckeridge – “but more importantly, show the path to achieving it.” Investors want to see maturity in your thinking, not just big ideas, but a roadmap with milestones, risks, and inflection points that add value to their capital.

Your next stage is likely to be scaling with follow-on funding, not exiting. Make sure your pitch reflects that.

 

2. Spend time on your pitch deck – and test it

David Buckeridge
David Buckeridge
Chair of Niab and investor and advisor in agribusiness and life sciences

Your pitch deck should be clear, concise, and compelling. It must convey your value proposition and USP. Then test it – not just with cheerleaders, but with people who’ll give honest, informed feedback.

“Investors like people who are clear about their sources and uses,” says Buckeridge.

“How much money do I need, and what are the three things I’m going to use that money for?”

3. Consider bringing in an advisor

“Many early-stage fundings try to operate without an advisor,” says Buckeridge. “There’s a huge amount of detail to deal with, and it may be where you lack experience.”

A trusted advisor, someone who understands the detail, can help navigate investor conversations, manage due diligence, and keep you focused on running your company.

 

4. Get your unit economics right

Margins in agriculture are tight, and investors know it. Your customer acquisition cost (CAC) must be well below your lifetime value (LTV).

As Mark Brooks, a venture investor and former head of FMC Ventures and Syngenta Group Ventures, puts it: “Unit economics have to take top priority, regardless of what you’re building.” If your model doesn’t scale profitably, funding will be hard to secure.

 

5. Build a resilient capital stack

With some agri-tech-specific funds pulling back, it’s more important than ever to diversify your funding sources. Explore non-dilutive options like grants, competitions, and philanthropic support — many of which are listed on our Funder Finder page. It’s regularly updated with opportunities relevant to start-ups, researchers, and SMEs.

Brooks also recommends engaging with funds focused on climate, planetary health, and sustainability – even if agriculture isn’t their sole focus. These funds bring cross-disciplinary thinking and broader networks, which can be valuable in shaping your growth.

 

6. Expect fundraising to be a full-time job

Fundraising can take a CEO out of the business for months. “You’ll kiss a lot of frogs,” says Buckeridge.

Stay positive, ask for feedback after every meeting, and use it to refine your approach.

 

7. Partner with mid-tier ag companies

Mark Brooks
Mark Brooks
Venture investor and former head of FMC Ventures and Syngenta Group Ventures

“The biggest agricultural businesses like Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva and BASF are still important potential partners for co-development,” says Mark Brooks.

“However, these big companies are financially stressed right now.”

Brooks suggests looking to the next tier down — companies such as NuFarm, UPL or Sumitomo who are actively seeking innovation to improve margins and build closer relationships with growers. These firms are often more agile and open to co-development or white-labelling partnerships.

8. Rethink the route to market

Distribution in agriculture is dominated by legacy players, but start-ups are reshaping the channel. Look at Farmers Business Network, Agriconomie in France and Grão Directo in Brazil – they’re building new models for farmer engagement.

Think creatively about how you reach your end user.

 

9. Embrace cross-sector collaboration

Some new funds may lack deep agri-tech expertise, but they bring fresh thinking from adjacent sectors. The best returns often come from the intersection of disciplines, from sectors not traditionally associated with agriculture, but ones with a clear role to play – climate, data, and biotech.

These “collision spaces” can unlock new value across the supply chain.

 

10. Be reliable – reputation matters

Start-ups can sometimes get a reputation for being flaky. Investors and partners notice when founders drop out of events or miss deadlines. If you commit, follow through. Reliability builds trust, and trust builds traction.

 


Some of the insights in this article were drawn from AgFunder’s recent feature The Do’s and Don’ts of Raising Capital in 2025. Read the full story.

Revolutionising British strawberries: Dyson Farming’s new growing system

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

Dyson Farming is proud to unveil its latest breakthrough in sustainable agriculture: the Hybrid Vertical Growing System (HVGS), a pioneering innovation that’s transforming how strawberries are grown in Britain.

Located in our 26-acre glasshouse in Carrington, Lincolnshire, the HVGS boosts strawberry yields by an astonishing 250%. Instead of traditional rows, strawberries are cultivated on towering, Ferris wheel-like rigs, reaching over 5.5 metres tall, that rotate to ensure optimal exposure to sunlight and LED lighting. This vertical approach maximises space, enhances fruit quality, and allows for year-round production, even in the depths of winter.

The system is powered by renewable energy and surplus heat from our adjacent anaerobic digesters, which also supply CO₂ to enrich plant growth. Rainwater harvested from the glasshouse roof irrigates the crops, while advanced climate control systems maintain ideal growing conditions.

Robotic technology plays a key role too: vision-guided machines pick only the ripest fruit, while UV-emitting bots protect plants from mould. Insect predators are deployed instead of pesticides, ensuring a healthier, more natural crop.

This innovation marks a bold step toward food security, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in the UK.

From the Dragons’ den to Defra’s: new government funding to boost agri-tech

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has launched a new £12.6 million funding package to support agri-tech innovation. It will be a ‘Dragons Den’-style process comprising two competitions. Forming part of the government’s Farming Innovation Programme, these competitions will reward the businesses that can offer the most innovative solutions to systemic challenges in the agricultural sector, such as rising costs and environmental pressures.

This initiative represents a progression of the government’s New Deal for Farmers and is a signal that agri-tech is a core component of its food security and rural growth strategy. Whilst the government has already pledged to allocate £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over the next parliament, this additional funding arrives at a politically sensitive moment for the agricultural industry. The government’s relationship with the agricultural community has been tested during Labour’s first year in office, particularly following widespread backlash against the 2024 autumn budget’s proposed changes to inheritance tax. Against this backdrop, increased funding is not only an economic stimulus to encourage technological development, but also an attempt to reset the government’s political relationship with the agricultural sector. As a visible commitment to supporting innovation-led growth, it indicates that the government is listening to the sector’s demands for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

The funding itself will be delivered through two competitions set to open from mid-September. The Small R&D Partnerships competition, launching on 15 September, will offer up to £7.8 million to support later-stage projects that are near commercial readiness. The strongest bids will be those that are able to demonstrate how their product or service will improve productivity, sustainability, progression, and resilience, as well as having a clear avenue to market upon. The second competition, allocating up to £4.8 million for early-stage ideas, will open on 13 October and is designed to assist developers in scaling up their project. Both competitions will be carried out in partnership with Innovate UK.

This is positive news for businesses in the agri-tech sector. The government is actively seeking to fund scalable, practical technologies that can solve the problems straining today’s agricultural sector. Rather than simply financing projects that are market-ready, the government is willing to fund the development of ideas. It solidifies the role that agri-tech plays in enhancing sustainability and boosting rural productivity via technological innovation.

Ultimately, this announcement acts as a timely reminder that agricultural innovation is  recognised by the government as a mechanism for economic growth and as a frontier industry in the UK’s industrial strategy. As the government seeks to establish a balance between regulation, business support, and long-term agricultural resilience, initiatives like these will play a central role in shaping the next generation of British farming.

If you wish to discuss the government’s agri-tech policy or how to access this funding, please reach out to thea@gkstrategy.com.

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IAgrE Conference 2025, On-line 22nd October – Will AI Revolutionise Agriculture?

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

Book in here

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Organic Research Centre joins ADAS

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

Organic Research Centre (ORC), the UK’s foremost research authority on organic farming and low-input farming practices, has become part of RSK ADAS Limited, effective from 1 September 2025.

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Retaining the ORC brand, ORC is a stand-alone business within the ADAS group of companies and will continue to be managed by current CEO Lucy MacLennan. The move of ORC research staff and ongoing ORC projects to ADAS will allow both organisations to benefit from shared resources and complementary applied research expertise.

Lucy MacLennan said:

“The move of ORC to ADAS not only safeguards the future of ORC and our work advocating organic and low-input farming principles, it also means we can evolve and expand our research into new areas. The ORC has a long and accomplished history, and we want to reassure our supporters that our strategic research aims remain the same as when we were founded  – to protect the environment and to enhance biodiversity by means of independent applied organic research and to communicate our research findings widely so as to encourage change throughout the British agricultural sector.”

Prior to the move, ORC formed part of the Progressive Farming Trust charity, which also maintains the Agricology knowledge platform. The Progressive Farming Trust and Agricology will remain separate entities, and their activities will continue unchanged.

Jackie Evans, Managing Director of ADAS Group, commented:

“This move signals the start of an exciting new chapter for ORC and ADAS. ADAS has an excellent track record of delivering independent applied research to support sustainable, resilient, and profitable farming systems. With ORC’s agroecological expertise now in-house, we can pool our knowledge to deliver complex, multifaceted agricultural projects and ensure we continue to deliver the best possible environmental outcomes. Our aim is to add to our portfolio of research and advice, and create a centre of excellence for organic agricultural research.”

“We are delighted to welcome ORC and its staff to ADAS, and we look forward to working together to drive research and innovation in organic, agroecological, and regenerative farming systems.”

ORC’s chair, Donald Peck, added:

“In ADAS, we are very pleased to have found a partner which both respects our history and shares our values. We are excited about the future of independent organic research and the opportunities this partnership will bring to continue this work while Progressive Farming Trust makes its own separate impact.”

Nantwich Farm Vets Partnering in Calf Health Innovation

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

Nantwich Farm Vets partnering in calf health innovation.

Nantwich Farm vets are about to start round 2 of an innovative project in conjunction with Agri-TechE member’s Roboscientific, and SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), and global animal health company Zoetis, and Ritchie Engineering Services Ltd, based in Aberdeen.

Roboscientific, winner of the 2019 Tesco Agri-TechE T-Jam award, specialise in detecting & analysing volatile organic compounds (produced by organisms such as bacteria) enabling early identification of disease. Building on their previous success with barn monitoring of pigs and chickens the current project, funded by Innovate UK, involves installing their VOC analysers on automatic calf feeders on 3 farms looked after by Nantwich Farm Vets. These analysers capture a sample of breath from individual calves as they feed and analyse the VOC ‘fingerprint’. Electronic ID tags enable the VOC pattern to be assigned to the individual calves and stored as a digital record on the farm.

Two of the Nantwich Farm Vet team visit the farms every day for 28 days where, using a published respiratory scoring system (the Wisconsin score), they will ‘score’ each calf. These scores will be added to lung scanning data and laboratory test results to then allow the Roboscientific and SRUC teams to correlate the VOC pattern with the clinical picture from the examination of the calves. The aim of the project will be to identify the difference between a ‘healthy’ VOC pattern, and the VOC pattern of a calf starting to develop respiratory disease.

“Our novel technology means that farmers will have a system of monitoring their calves for respiratory disease at this critical early stage of their lives automatically and non-invasively. By identifying calves with respiratory disease sooner, the vet and farm team will be able to implement treatment protocols sooner, leading to improved responses and enhanced calf welfare” says Angie Curtis, Sales Director for Roboscientific.

Round 1 of the project was completed in Spring 2025; in October/November 2025, the project team will return to the farms for round 2 of the trial, at which point Roboscientific hope to have a working prototype that will alert the farms to any calves that are starting to develop respiratory disease.

Business Development Manager Phil Cullinan has worked closely with the Roboscientific, SRUC and Zoetis teams to coordinate the practice’s role in the trial. “We’re ideally placed to support this type of project at the practice. Two of our vets are Personal Licence holders and our large, progressive customer base of dairy farms means we can support a wide variety of trial work”.

If anyone wants to discuss planned trial work contact Phil on philcullinan@nantwichfarmvets.co.uk

No more nasties: The government stamps its feet on baby food

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

The Department of Health and Social Care recently unveiled a new set of voluntary guidelines aiming to enhance the nutritional quality of commercial baby foods. These set new expectations for manufacturers, retailers, trade associations and non-governmental healthcare organisations to reduce the sugar and salt content of baby food and address misleading labelling within the next 18 months.

This initiative is the latest intervention as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ and its broader 10-year plan for health. Building upon previous HFSS measures, such as the ban on junk food advertisements restrictions on fast-food outlets near schools, it indicates a growing appetite to intervene to improve the nation’s dietary health. Childhood obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s and obesity currently costs the NHS £11.4 billion per year; this is expected to increase as obese children reach adulthood. In order to shape healthy eating habits as much as possible, policymakers are turning their focus to the formative stages of children’s diets. The rationale is straightforward: if a child’s very first diet is contributing to lifelong health problems, then meaningful change must begin from the highchair.

The evidence underpinning these guidelines is clear. Researchers from the University of Leeds have found that baby foods from market leaders lack nutritional value and market their products in a misleading way. All too often, these products are sugary, watery, and breed consumer confusion with misleading slogans like ‘contains no nasties’. The guidance also advises manufacturers not to market products aimed at children under twelve months of age as ‘snacks’, with NHS guidance for parents contending that children this young do not need to eat snacks.

For manufacturers and retailers alike, the challenge will be to reformulate at pace. With the use of sweeteners prohibited for all foods aimed at children aged three and under, and a market that values both taste and convenience, they will need to find new ways to meet nutritional needs whilst maintaining trust with parental consumers.

Though billed as voluntary, these guidelines represent a clear direction of travel for the government. Public health campaigners have already indicated that these recommendations represent a further step rather than the finish line, and the government has left the door open to mandatory regulation should uptake be slow or inconsistent. For businesses, the choice is binary: act now and shape the policy conversation, or risk playing catch-up if it was to become law.

The government’s strong stance on baby food is a clear signal of intent to improve the nutritional content of the nation’s diet. It forms part of a wider push by the government to encourage healthy eating habits, improve transparency between businesses and consumers and reduce the long-term economic burden on the NHS. Whilst this will result in short-term costs to businesses, there remains a real strategic opportunity to engage in the policy conversation. Businesses that position themselves early as genuine leaders in providing nutritional baby food can win the trust of both policymakers and increasingly health-conscious parents.

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Nantwich Farm Vets drive growth of biological fly control on North West farms

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

As fly populations rise with warming temperatures, UK dairy farms are increasingly turning to sustainable pest management strategies. One method gaining popularity is the use of biological fly control — specifically, the deployment of parasitic wasps, often branded as Biowasps. Additionally, parasitic flies and mites (Biofly and Biomite) are available for use in specific cases to support the Biowasp.

Biowasps are tiny, non-stinging insects that target fly pupae, breaking the breeding cycle and reducing future fly populations. They are harmless to humans and animals but deadly to flies in the pupal stage. They offer a natural, chemical-free alternative to traditional insecticides, which can lead to resistance, residue issues, and harm to non-target species including humans. On dairy farms, reducing fly burdens is essential for maintaining cow comfort, preventing disease transmission and improving milk yields.

Typically, Biowasps are introduced early in the season and applied regularly through the warmer months. They are most effective when used as part of an integrated pest management plan — combining good muck handling, dry bedding practices, and monitoring hot spots like calf pens, muck heaps and feed areas.

Trials and anecdotal reports from UK farms show that Biowasps can reduce fly populations significantly when used correctly. Their ease of use, compatibility with organic systems, and minimal environmental impact make them an increasingly attractive option for forward-thinking farms.

At Nantwich Farm Vets, anyone interested in the use of Biowasps receives an individualised site assessment and bespoke plan to cover the fly season. Packs of Biowasps (+/- Biofly/Biomite as required) are delivered every 2 weeks starting around April and running through to late September/early October.

Business Development Manager, Phil Cullinan has been working closely with Bestico and the farm team at the practice to drive growth in this area. “We’re seeing more and more of our farmers turn to biological fly control to help control the flies on their farm. People are becoming increasingly aware of the use of chemicals on-farm and are often looking to reduce them for a variety of reasons, including their own health. Bestico offer a viable alternative and we’re seeing great growth in this area”.

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Why is Monitoring Mineralisation Important in Agriculture?

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

For today’s farmer, visual assessment or an annual soil analysis alone is no longer enough – fields require more precise and continuous monitoring. One of the key processes that determines both yield and quality is soil mineralisation. By understanding how nutrients are released in the soil and when they become available to crops, fertilisation can be made smarter, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

What is mineralisation?

Mineralisation is a natural process in which the nutrients contained in organic matter are released into plant-available forms through the activity of soil microorganisms. The speed of mineralisation depends on several factors: temperature, moisture, soil aeration, soil pH, and the quantity and quality of organic matter. In temperate climates, mineralisation is seasonal. With Paul-Tech’s soil station, it is possible to monitor this process in real time.

For farmers, understanding mineralisation is essential as it helps optimise fertiliser use and improve soil fertility.

How does monitoring mineralisation help farmers?

Savings can be made on fertilising autumn-sown crops by knowing the nutrient status of the soil before sowing. Paul-Tech’s soil station provides this overview through nutrient and NO₃-N graphs (see figure). Pre-sowing mineralisation appears on the graphs once crops have used up the applied fertiliser and their growth slows down. At this stage, ageing plants begin to break down. The effects of previous crop residues and manure are also visible. Under favourable temperature and moisture conditions, organic matter decomposes quickly.

The type of crop also matters: nitrogen is released rapidly from legume residues, followed by brassicas, while cereal residues take longer to break down.

If noticeable increases in nutrient levels occur before harvest, the nitrogen requirements for the next crop can be reduced significantly. Excess nitrogen can weaken winter crop survival and, if not taken up by plants, will be leached from the soil. Where spring crops follow in the rotation, the nitrogen released through mineralisation can be retained in the field with cover crops.

Summary

Monitoring the process of mineralisation is an essential tool in modern agriculture, helping farmers work more knowledgeably, efficiently, and sustainably. Paul-Tech’s soil station provides valuable support here, enabling you to track mineralisation across seasons and fields, and make decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. Real-time data gives you the confidence that your field is getting exactly what it needs – no more and no less.

👉 Want to see how Paul-Tech’s soil station can help you track mineralisation and other soil processes? Book a free demo with us, and we’ll find the right solution for your fields.

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Nantwich Farm Vets work with Agri-TechE member Vet Vision AI on Cheshire Dairy Farm

Member News
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.

Nantwich Farm Vets are pioneering a new method of monitoring dairy cow comfort to support the growth & progression of their dairy clients.

Using technology from Agri-TechE member Vet Vision AI, they now offer a ground-breaking service – monitoring cows 24/7 using night vision-equipped time-lapse cameras and artificial intelligence, providing insights that would otherwise be impossible. Cow behaviour patterns can be tracked day and night, with detailed reports highlighting differences across the farm and benchmarking against other UK herds. Key metrics include cow comfort, resting times, and feeding patterns, making it easier for farmers to take meaningful action to continually improve health and well-being.

Brothers Will and Harry Dodd, of Dodleston Hall Farm near Chester, are early adopters. “We know our cows are doing really well,” says Will, “but there are a few things we’re considering changing to make them even more comfortable. Before investing tens of thousands of pounds, we want objective data to help guide where our funds will make the biggest difference. We’re really excited to see what this shows us.”

Rob George, partner at Nantwich Farm Vets and one of the farm’s main vets, adds: “Comfortable cows tend to be healthier, and healthier cows are more productive. This technology supports the win-win-win we strive for. Our practice will work closely with the Dodd family and Vet Vision AI to maximise cow health and welfare, driving the sustainability and long-term profitability of the farm.”

Business Development Manager Phil Cullinan has worked with Charlie Carslake and Liz Cresswell from Vet Vision AI to bring the opportunity to the practice. “It’s great to be able to see the progression of this from initial conversations with Charlie to now ‘going live’ on farm. We’re excited to see how this helps our clients better understand their stock behaviours and plan their investments accordingly”.

The cameras are being installed in September 2025, with results expected in October.


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Celebrating Agri-Tech Week 2025!

Meet the Network
Agri-TechE

 

Agri-TechE Week celebrates its 12th year in 2025 – featuring eleven events across the country from Newcastle to Norfolk, Essex to Earth satellites (and lots online!).

Curated by Agri-TechE , Agri-TechE Week showcases the innovation, collaboration, and creativity at events hosted by our incredible member community.

Each event reflects the strength of our ecosystem, fostering vital connections between growers, researchers, and technology developers.

Take a look at our video summary from the week and read post-event reports below:

 

 

 

Climate Adaptation in Agronomy with Satellite Technology
Climate Adaptation in Agronomy with Satellite Technology
Monday, 20th October (Online). 2 BASIS / 2 NRoSO points

Learn how satellite technology can help farmers adapt to climate change. This event aims to showcase to the community the benefits and opportunities of using satellite imagery, as well as discussing barriers.

Read a summary of the event

Rooted in Science: Transforming Soil for Tomorrow’s Farms
Rooted in Science: Transforming Soil for Tomorrow’s Farms
Monday, 20th October (In-Person, Norwich).

Soil health within the farming system is recognised as a vital component of the UK’s natural capital and is in the forefront of innovation in sustainable agriculture. This collaborative event offers a unique opportunity to hear about latest applications of research for soil health, soil microbiome, root-soil interactions and to explore innovative solutions, including bioengineered, nature-based approaches, that support DEFRA’s goals and strengthen output of the UK agri-food sector. This event will be of interest to agri farmers, agri companies, and agri-government agencies. See detailed agenda.

Discover The New Farming Systems Experiments
Discover The New Farming Systems Experiments
Monday, 20th October (In-Person, NR18 9DF). 2 BASIS / 2 NRoSO points

Initiated in 2007, the New Farming Systems Experiments are large-scale, fully replicated long-term studies seeking to develop bio-sustainable cropping systems for conventional arable cropping. The NFS programme seeks to maintain or increase system output while improving efficiency, sustainability and resilience in conventional arable cropping systems. Experiments examine three inter-related themes: fertility building, approaches to tillage, and the use of soil amendments.

Read a summary of the event

When Biology Meets Technology
When Biology Meets Technology
Tuesday, 21st October (In-person, Colchester). 3 BASIS /3 NRoSO points

Find out about the ever-increasing role of technology in agriculture, enhanced nutrition, energy efficiency in controlled growing environments, as well as the role of changing environment on food production in the field. Discuss how changes in government policy offer novel solutions to enhanced crop production and crop quality CEA to field and tour the University of Essex’s Smart Technology Experimental Plant Suite (STEPS), a multi-million-pound facility designed to expand the already world leading research that takes place within EPIC.

Read a summary of the event

A Tour of Agrii’s Flagship Technology Centre
A Tour of Agrii’s Flagship Technology Centre
Tuesday, 21st October (In-Person, Essex). 2 BASIS / 2 NRoSO points

Agrii is opening its gates to its flagship Technology Centre for an exclusive afternoon showcasing how cutting-edge innovation is transforming agriculture. This guided tour offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes to: a) see how controlled environments and hyperspectral imaging are accelerating crop research; b) watch live drone demonstration; c) learn how the real on-farm value of emerging agri-tech solutions is assessed; and d) hear how innovations are influencing research programmes and agronomy strategies.

Read a summary of the event

Making the most of organic materials
Making the most of organic materials
Wednesday, 22rd October (In-Person, Lakenheath)

Organic materials, including livestock manures, biosolids, compost and digestate contain valuable plant nutrients and can save farmers money on their fertiliser bill. However, how these materials are managed can have a significant impact on their value to the farm. This farm-based event will outline how farmers can maximise the value of their organic materials.

Read a summary of the event

The National Food Strategy: the role of agri-tech in strengthening the UK’s food system
The National Food Strategy: the role of agri-tech in strengthening the UK’s food system
Wednesday, 22rd October (Online). 1 BASIS / 1 NRoSO point

Join political advisory firm GK Strategy for a panel discussion on the development of the national food strategy. Together with Steve Brine and Honor May Eldridge, we will be exploring how the agri-tech sector can offer solutions that help the government achieve its goal of a more sustainable, healthy and resilient food system.

Click here to book your place

Cockle Park Farm walk
Cockle Park Farm walk
Wednesday, 22rd October (In-Person, Newcastle). 2 BASIS / 2 NRoSO points

The Cockle Park farm walk showcases innovative agricultural practices and research projects on productivity, sustainability and environmental stewardship, with demonstrations in agroforestry, biomass, soil management, and livestock monitoring. The event offers researchers, farmers, advisors, and policymakers a chance to see technologies in action, explore partnerships, and discuss future-proofing farming.

Harnessing nature: exploring carbon removal solutions
Harnessing nature: exploring carbon removal solutions
Thursday, 23th October (In-Person, Harpenden)

This half-day, in-person event will explore the latest science and business approaches to nature-based carbon removal technologies, focusing on agriculture’s role in climate resilience and carbon sequestration. Bringing together researchers, innovators, and industry stakeholders, the event will examine how land management practices, soil health, and ecosystem restoration can drive scalable climate solutions.

Read a summary of the event

Pioneering Gene Editing in Agriculture
Pioneering Gene Editing in Agriculture
Thursday, 23th October (In-Person, Norfolk Showground). 2 BASIS / 2 NRoSO points

An exclusive speaker event with Dr Philip Zegerman from Tropic, where you’ll discover how their ground-breaking gene-editing technology is transforming agriculture and advancing global food security.

Tropic’s advanced tools, including their Editing induced Gene Silencing (GeiGS) platform, are being used to improve tropical produce such as bananas and rice – making them tastier, more resilient, higher yielding, and better able to withstand the challenges of climate change. These innovations are now being applied to UK-grown crops and extended to livestock, with promising developments in disease resistance and animal welfare. The event will also provide insights into the new regulatory landscape – what it means for farmers, and how they can benefit from technologies that are a true game-changer for sustainable farming.

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How can agriculture decarbonise the supply chain?
How can agriculture decarbonise the supply chain?
Friday, 24th October (In-Person, Cambridge). 4 BASIS / 4 NRoSO points.

This event will highlight how alternative crops and innovative solutions can help decarbonise sectors such as food, textiles, transport, construction, and energy; reduce carbon emissions and work towards Net Zero.

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