The first PBO, hyperspectral solutions for nitrogen, GNSS take on agriculture
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Agri-TechE's April Newsletter

 

It’s been a month of meaningful signals across the agri‑tech landscape from regulation and research to innovation infrastructure.

The UK issued its first ever Precision Bred Organism marketing notice giving the green light to move a specific gene‑edited crop from research trials towards commercialisation to be sold in the UK once it’s ready. It’s not on shelves yet, but the approval signals the regulatory pathway is functioning and companies can start planning for deployment.

Regulation is in the spotlight elsewhere too, with the four UK governments launching a reform of fertiliser legislation to make it easier for newer and novel products to reach the market. The current - old - rules are built around traditional mineral fertilisers, which leaves biostimulants, biofertilisers and other biological inputs in a grey area. The proposed shift to a new UK Fertilising Product Regulation is a chance to create a clearer, more innovation‑friendly system. A public consultation and call for evidence is open until 10 June.

Plus some big news for the industry from members - Elsoms Seeds announced a new innovation centre, and PGRO revealed plans for a Pulse Performance Network, with more details revealed at Cereals in June.

But before that... Check out the latest agri-tech news, events and opportunities below - enjoy!

 

Don't Miss...
Field of cotton
Monthly Musing

The recent granting of a Precision Bred Organism (PBO) marketing notice for a gene-edited variety of barley has made us reflect over 30 years of discussions, debate, strong opinions and scientific discovery.

Read the Blog
Messium Map
Hot Topic

With fertiliser prices increasingly volatile and global supply threatened by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, could Messium's new hyperspectral satellite imagery be the solution to build greater resilience?

See the Results
 Alex Schofield, PhD researcher at the University of Warwick
Did you see?

GNSS developers target agriculture’s expanding precision ag market - in 2012, about 200,000 GNSS devices were shipped for the agriculture industry annually. By 2022, this had grown to more than 1.3 million.

New-to-Ag Opps
Meet our Members

Dennington Hall Farms manages a family estate focused on regenerative crop and livestock production, environmental conservation, renewable energy use, and community engagement.

Meet Dennington Hall Farm

Earlham Institute harnesses genomics, data science and engineering biology to develop tools, resources and insights that support sustainable agriculture via food security, biodiversity, and human health.

Meet Earlham Institute

Elsoms Seeds is an independent, family‑owned plant breeding company developing new vegetable and arable varieties, combining research, trials and seed expertise to support UK growers.

Meet Elsoms Seeds Ltd

Biographica uses advanced machine‑learning models to analyse plant genomes, identify high‑value gene‑editing targets, and help developers prioritise edits most likely to improve crop traits effectively.

Meet Biographica 

Pixalytics Earth‑observation consultancy interprets satellite and aerial data, providing clear, science‑led insights for organisations to monitor land, water, vegetation and environmental change.

Meet Pixalytics Ltd

Ponda is a biomaterials innovation company developing regenerative, plant‑based eco-insulation from wetland crops, working with growers to create low‑impact alternatives to conventional materials.

Meet Ponda Bio
 Member News
  • Agrii's Throws Farm Technology Centre has been comparing digital agronomy with conventional practice, with trials showing that drone crop‑scanning, zonal soil mapping and variable‑rate applications cut nitrogen use by 15% while still delivering a higher wheat yield.
  • AgriSound has partnered with Importaco to deploy its acoustic sensors across almond orchards, providing real‑time pollinator and biodiversity monitoring to support the company’s regenerative farming transition.
  • Bristol-based LettUs Grow, announces the successful completion of a research project with the John Innes Centre that enables commercial-scale fortification of pea shoots grown using Advanced Aeroponics to deliver the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin B12 in a single 15-gram serving.
Events
Elveden Estate field
Demo Day – Soils and Water 
12 May 2-4.30pm 

This on‑farm demo day at Elveden Estate showcases practical soil and water management technologies, combining a guided farm walk, live demonstrations, technologist pitches and networking for farmers exploring new solutions.

Last Chance to Book
Agrii Throws Farm tech
Introduction to Agri-Tech
20 May 9am-3.45pm

Would you benefit from understanding more about agriculture in the UK? Including relevant policy/ regs (and where the money comes from), decision-making by farmers (who calls the shots!), and what happens after the farm?

Up your Knowledge
REAP Conference logo
The REAP Conference 2026
4 Nov 8am-6.30pm 

Celebrating its 13th year, the REAP Conference brings farmers, researchers and innovators together to understand agricultural challenges, explore new solutions - for now and beyond - and showcase practical technologies.

Bag your Early Bird
Opportunities
UKRI logo
AgriScale Fund

For late stage projects to develop higher levels of performance, reliability and adoption readiness in their product and move their business, technologies and products closer to manufacturing readiness.

Competition closes Weds 3 June 2026
REAP 25 image
Sponsor REAP

We are offering the opportunity to sponsor headline sessions and activities at REAP 2026 to align your brand with one of the UK’s leading agri-tech conferences and raise your profile in the ecosystem.

Contact us for REAP sponsorship pack
Agri-Tech Week logo
Agri-Tech Week

The annual celebration of Agri-TechE members showcasing the exciting developments and diversity in agri-tech innovation at a dynamic mix of events, workshops, farm visits and lab tours.

Apply to host Agri-Tech Week event
 

To access Member benefits, join Agri-TechE today.

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