The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
A new land use planning tool has been launched by ADAS to support land owners and managers with making sustainable yet profitable land use decisions.
The tool – Land Use Management, Evaluation, and Optimisation tool (LUMEO) – uses satellite imagery, farm insight, and machine learning to offer land managers suggestions on how to maximise environmental gains and financial returns from their land.
Generating ideas for land use change
After inputting farm data and the desired end-goal – e.g. pure profit, environmental benefit, carbon neutrality- users are presented with a shortlist of economically viable actions to reach that goal while turning a profit. This ability to offer suggestions makes LUMEO particularly helpful for those who have a goal in mind but are unsure of how to best achieve it.
“Where LUMEO differs from other tools on the market is its ability to generate ideas. It doesn’t require you to already know the actions you want to try out. It will suggest actions based on what is possible on your holding and take into account any ongoing farm business requirements. Our goal is to help farmers to farm, but more efficiently, profitably, and sustainably,” explained ADAS environmental modeller Dan Hobley, developer of the tool.
For those who already have a plan in place, LUMEO can suggest suitable locations for change using maps of the holding – prioritising unused or underutilised land to maximise productivity.
Making sustainable, yet profitable decisions
LUMEO performs a profit calculation for each land use suggestion, allowing users to compare and combine options to find which provides the best financial return.
Dan added: “For every suggested land use change, users can see the profit they could make if they choose to convert X number of hectares. This allows them to effectively weigh up the costs and benefits before committing to any change.”
As well as profit calculations, LUMEO also shows how each land-use option could benefit others and the wider environment, including supporting local nature recovery plans.
Advisor support
At this stage, LUMEO is intended to be used with the help of an advisor.
“We’re keen to use the tool with more farms so we can continue to refine it and develop it. Anyone who feels they could benefit from what LUMEO has to offer is welcome to get in contact with ADAS.”
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Ahbstra came to CC with an early proof of concept and a bold ambition: to be the first to create a large-scale water-from-air generator for low humidity climates.
Together, we evolved that initial bench top concept into a scaled, first-of-a-kind commercial Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) that fits into a standard shipping container. Leveraging metal organic frameworks (MOF) to extract and store water directly from the air, this technology breakthrough effectively addresses water scarcity in arid regions to position Ahbstra as market leaders in the pursuit of water independence.
Pioneering water generation technology for arid regions
Ahbstra identified an untapped gap in the market: the need for a reliable way to generate water from low-humidity air to support basic living needs without placing additional strain on already stressed ecosystems. This demand is especially urgent in arid regions with low humidity, such as southern Spain and California, where conventional water solutions often fall short.
Addressing this need would unlock transformative opportunities for housing, community development and regional growth. Beyond its residential potential, this water-from-air technology could also revolutionise access to clean water for industries including defence and data centres, as well as providing critical support in regions grappling with drought or disruption to water supplies.
But there’s a reason this hasn’t been done before. While extracting water from high-humidity air is relatively straightforward, designing a system that efficiently pulls meaningful volumes of water from low-humidity air posed a far greater challenge, while the sheer scale of the build involved numerous complexities. Solving it required a deep tech approach.
Harnessing deep tech to deliver solutions at scale
Ahbstra first approached CC to evaluate an early-stage proof of concept that could produce around 15 litres of water per day – a great achievement, but below the level needed for commercial viability. Scaling this technology to take it from the lab to commercialisation was a challenge requiring a profound understanding of the underlying technology. From air circulation and controls to heat pumps, software, electronics, feedback and sensing, every element needed to be assessed.
Our first step was to embed sensors through the design, capturing critical data and insights on system performance to fine-tune efficiency. In parallel, we developed a bespoke test rig to validate the tricky desorption cycle, diagnose performance challenges and inform the next stage of development.
This approach proved invaluable. What began as technology the size of an under-counter fridge has been transformed by our systems engineers into a 20-foot build capable of producing 150 litres of water per day. Using CC’s insights, development is underway to further maximise efficiency and reach 500 litres per day while maintaining the current size. This innovation proves the solution works at scale, setting the stage for Ahbstra’s market-leading IP.
“CC’s engineers and designers have been fantastic in taking the concept, scaling it up and engineering it to operate at full scale. It’s relied on the expertise on both sides, and it’s been a very open relationship to make this machine a reality, together.”
Zane van Romunde – Ahbstra Product Development and Commercialisation
Commercialising MOF-based technology for real-world application
At the heart of this breakthrough is the use of metal-organic frameworks – advanced adsorbent materials that act like molecular sponges, selectively capturing and storing chemicals such as water vapour, hydrogen, carbon dioxide or toxic gases from the air. The creation of MOFs recently earned a Nobel Prize win in Chemistry, yet despite hundreds of thousands of MOFs documented in scientific literature, very few have progressed beyond research labs to real-world use.
While MOFs offer exceptional potential, they remain costly. To make large-scale systems possible, we needed rapid thermal cycling on a container-sized machine. Rapid cycling depends on maximising contact between air and MOF to enable efficient adsorption and desorption. Building on Ahbstra’s proprietary drum concept, we had to scale it up to handle 40 times more MOF while maintaining performance.
We needed to manage the energy-intensive process of releasing water from the MOF, which required heating to drive off moisture and then cooling the vapour back into liquid. Unlike conventional systems, our heat pump had to cool its own exhaust, demanding a completely new control strategy, and ultimately a novel heat pump architecture engineered to manage real-world effects and maintain efficiency throughout the cycle.
This integrated novel design – requiring sophisticated thermodynamics, mechanical engineering and airflow management – marks a pivotal step in turning MOF science into practical, scalable technology with real commercial impact.
Turning water generation innovation into defensible market leadership
The result of this collaboration is advanced technology with the potential to transform global access to clean, fresh water in areas under threat from water scarcity. Designed to operate in low-humidity environments, it stands apart as the only atmospheric water generator capable of producing water in conditions where existing solutions fail. In a market with few commercially viable alternatives, it presents a game-changing solution to a critical and growing global need.
This project exemplifies CC’s deep tech mindset, developing new-to-the-world solutions that deliver both commercial and societal impact. Reliable water generation in harsh, arid climates offers the potential for applications across humanitarian aid, disaster relief, defence, remote research stations and off-grid housing developments. As climate change accelerates and water scarcity intensifies, demand for resilient, adaptable solutions are only set to grow.
Armed with a first-mover advantage and the breakthrough IP developed in collaboration with CC, Ahbstra is now positioned to shape the commercial landscape of atmospheric water generation with a real-world solution.
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Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
For a long time, the fashion industry has forced a difficult choice on us: rely on fossil fuel-based materials, or use animal-derived down. But what if the clothes we wear could actually help heal the planet instead of harming it?
At Ponda, we believe they can. We’ve created BioPuff®, a warm, high-performance plant-based jacket filling made from bulrush, grown on regenerated wetlands. But this isn’t just about making a new material- it’s about how that material is grown. We work with farmers to grow bulrush on rewetted peatlands, actively restoring damaged wetlands that are vital for our climate (in fact, peatlands store about twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined!).
We have spent the last few years validating our technology, building our pilot facility here in Bristol, and getting BioPuff® into the hands of incredible brands like Berghaus, Ahluwalia and Stella McCartney.
Now, we are ready for the next big leap: scaling up so we can bring BioPuff® to the mainstream. And rather than doing it behind closed doors, we want to invite you to build this future with us.
What is equity crowdfunding?
When you hear “crowdfunding,” you might think of platforms where you donate money or pre-order a product. Equity crowdfunding is a bit different. Through platforms like Republic Europe, it allows everyday people to invest in private startups alongside larger venture capital funds. Instead of just buying a jacket, you are actually buying shares (equity) in Ponda.
In short: you become a co-owner. If the company grows and succeeds, the value of your shares can grow, too. It is a way to directly support the businesses you want to see in the world, and share in their success. Please note that the value of your investment can go down as well as up.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We have been incredibly fortunate to receive £4.8 million to date through major institutional investors and vital government grants. While this is a massive milestone, much of this grant funding is strictly ring-fenced for specific, foundational research-such as farming innovation, land-use studies, and government partnerships.
These grants have been absolutely vital for validating our science and establishing our agricultural model. However, pioneering truly innovative material requires immense time, energy, and flexible capital to actually build the business around the innovation. As we look to scale, opening our doors to the public was a deeply intentional choice for three core reasons:
1. We want you on this journey with us
Since day one, we have been surrounded by an incredible community of nature lovers, climate advocates, and people who want better from the fashion industry. Until now, the only way to support our mission was to cheer us on from the sidelines. We want to change that. Crowdfunding allows the people who care most about regenerative farming and biodiversity to move from passive supporters to active participants in our growth.
2. Building the supply chain of the future takes a village (and a wetland!)
Grants are fantastic for funding specific research and proving that an idea works. But we aren’t just making a concept material—we are building an entirely new, nature-friendly supply chain from the ground up. Crowdfunding provides the flexible, community-backed capital we need to expand our manufacturing, support more farmers, and get BioPuff® out into the world at a commercial scale.
3. The time is right
We have proven that BioPuff® works, we have the backing of major fashion brands, and we have the pilot infrastructure in place. Now, it is time to scale an emerging system that the planet and the industry desperately need.
How to get involved
We are currently in our private Pre-Registration phase. By signing up now, you will get priority access to our pitch deck, behind-the-scenes updates, and the chance to invest before the campaign opens to the wider public.
Pre-register: Click the link below to visit our Republic page and register your interest (it takes 30 seconds and there is no obligation to invest).
Learn more: Once we go live, you can review our full story, our future plans, and our community reward tiers.
Become an owner: Choose your investment amount and officially join the Ponda family!
A type of crowdfunding that enables multiple investors to buy shares in a company, using a crowdfunding platform like Republic.
What is a share?
An ownership interest in a company that entitles the shareholder to certain rights, for example, a share of profits or dividend payments from the company if it grows financially. Shares are also referred to as “stock”.
What is an ordinary share?
Shares that represent normal equity ownership in a company. Ordinary shares generally entitle the owner to vote at shareholder meetings, receive dividends, and receive distributions on the winding up of a company but do not carry preferential treatment. The nominee structure means that Republic will generally exercise these rights on your behalf. Businesses like those funded on platforms rarely pay dividends. This means that if you invest in a business through the platform, even if it is successful, you are unlikely to see any return of capital or profit until you are able to sell your shares. Even for a successful business, this is unlikely to occur for a number of years from the time you make your investment.
What is Republic?
Republic is the crowdfunding platform which will enable you to invest in Ponda. Republic, formerly Seedrs, has funded over 2,000 deals to date. The top companies they have funded include Revolut, Allplants, Cheeky Panda, Manilife, Oddbox, Mindful Chef, and TransferGo.
Who can invest?
To invest through Republic, you must be over 18 years old, legally entitled to invest, and a resident of the UK, Europe, or another country supported by the platform.
How do I become a shareholder?
You can become a shareholder of Ponda by opening an account with Republic and placing your investment through them. Your investment will be administered and held through your registered Republic account.
What is early access or pre-registration?
First, we will offer everyone the opportunity to register their interest in investing in Ponda. Everyone who pre-registers will be given the first opportunity to invest. They will receive an exclusive email inviting them to invest when the early access funding round opens. This will be open for a short period of time before the funding round is opened up to everyone else. Republic will guide you through the whole process, from pre-registering your interest to making an investment and beyond.
How do I sign up with Republic?
It’s simple and free for anyone in the UK or EU to sign up. Once your investor profile is complete, you’ll be able to access our campaign, ask us questions, request further information, and invest. When creating your Republic account, please make sure you create it in your own name, as the person investing. They cannot accept joint investments or investments made on behalf of someone else. Note: In order to make investments, you need to successfully complete the Republic Investment Authorisation Questionnaire or self-certify as a “high net worth individual” or a “sophisticated investor” if you reside in the UK or Europe. If you reside in an accepted jurisdiction outside of the UK and Europe, you will need to self-certify as an accredited investor in your local jurisdiction. This is intended to show us that you have the judgement and understanding to appreciate the risks of investing in private companies.
How do I pay for my investment?
Once you’ve made an investment, you’ll need to pay for it. If you are able to pay with a debit/credit card, you can do so as part of the investment confirmation process. If you’re unable to pay by debit/credit card, you will need to make a deposit into your Republic account and then allocate the investment amount to the investee campaign. You must deposit and pay for the investment before the campaign closes, or your investment will be cancelled, and you will not receive shares in the business.
How much can I invest?
You can invest from as little as £20 up to the full amount that the campaign is seeking—and note whether you’d like the investment to be public or anonymous. You will then be presented with an Investment Agreement, which is a standardised agreement between you and Republic with respect to your investment. If you’re happy with it, click to accept, and that’s it—you’ve made an investment!
What is overfunding?
Businesses must reach their targets on Republic within 30 days, and if they do not, all investors receive their money back. However, if a business hits its target before the 30-day period is over, it can accept additional investment—in exchange for additional equity—if it so chooses. This is called overfunding, and investors who invest during the overfunding period do so on the exact same terms as other investors. The one difference in overfunding is that businesses do not have to accept any or all of the funds they raise in their overfunding period. Republic will let you know if we have chosen not to accept your overfunding investment via email, and Republic will refund your payment to your Investment Account.
Can I cancel my investment or change my mind?
You can cancel an investment at any time before a campaign closes from within your Republic Investment Account. You have a minimum of 7 days to cancel your investment. By cancelling, funds already paid will be returned to your Republic account to be paid into other investments, if you like. If you have funds in your Republic account that are not currently committed to an investment, you may withdraw them at any time from your Investment Account. This can take up to 48 hours and must be returned to the account from which they originated.
What happens when the campaign ends?
Once our campaign closes, and the Republic team has successfully completed legal due diligence and investment documentation, Republic will transfer the funds to the company in exchange for shares. Republic will then send you an electronic share certificate, confirming that you are officially an investor in the business, and will include a link to our post-investment portal where you can keep in touch with us and our progress.
When can I sell my shares?
The main way you can make money from your investment is by selling your shares for more than you paid for them. There are a couple of ways that this might occur: if the company grows to the point where it floats on a stock exchange, is bought by another company, or conducts a share buyback, you are likely to be able to sell your shares—potentially at a profit—at that stage. You may also be able to sell your shares on the Republic Secondary Market, whereby investors can buy and sell shares from each other online. Bear in mind that the ability to buy and sell shares will depend on demand, meaning that you may not be able to sell them immediately.
Risk Warning
Investing involves risks, including loss of capital, illiquidity, lack of dividends and dilution, and should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Please read the Risk Warnings before investing. Investments should only be made by investors who understand these risks. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change in future. Republic does not make investment recommendations to you, and any investment decision should be made on the basis of the full campaign. No communications from Republic, through email or any other medium, should be construed as an investment recommendation.
Seedrs Limited, trading as Republic Europe, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Seedrs Limited is a limited company, registered in England and Wales (No. 06848016), with a registered office at Cubo Soho, Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, London W1D 4AL, United Kingdom.
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The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Elsoms Seeds, the UK’s leading independent seed business, now operating across a world-wide market, has announced a significant investment into a new Innovation Centre that will expand their research and development capabilities. Plant science, breeding better varieties, and advanced seed technologies are vital to Elsoms and to global food security. This latest investment affirms Elsoms’ commitment to R&D and strengthens their ability to deliver high-performing, resilient crop varieties.
The new Innovation Centre will substantially increase Elsoms’ R&D capacity, enhancing capabilities, accelerating future variety development, strengthening delivery and providing greater support to customers and partners. The enlarged capacity will also bring R&D teams from Elsoms Seeds, Elsoms Wheat, and Elsoms Ackermann Barley together under one roof.
A one-year build programme, expected to start in June 2026, will create a wide range of climate-controlled growing rooms, specialised laboratories, offices and more in the new facility on Elsoms Way. There will also be further upgrades to facilities at the head office site.
David Coop, Managing Director at Elsoms Seeds said,
“Elsoms’ work in plant science is customer focused. This investment in innovation means we’ll do even more to develop, demonstrate and deliver great varieties, support food security and help our customers to grow more from less.”
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This story has been submitted by an Agri-TechE member.
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation for Norwich Research Park, has announced that Bayer, a global leader in health and nutrition, will be supporting its new ‘BioTransitions’ programme with a three-year sponsorship.
The ‘BioTransitions’ programme will initially focus on supporting ‘Seed-to-Series A’ companies operating in the agri-food biotech sector. As well as supporting companies already based at Norwich Research Park, the programme will aim to attract agri-food biotech companies from elsewhere in the world who will benefit from the specialist skills pool and technology platforms available on the Park’s campus as well as the bespoke programme of support and network of connections on offer.
The ‘BioTransitions’ programme will help companies with their investment strategies, intellectual property (IP) and patent applications, field trials, access to advanced technology platforms, marketing strategy, network of contacts in academia and industry, as well as accessing the expertise of the sponsors of the programme, including Bayer.
The term ‘BioTransitions’ refers to the use of biology to help the planet move away from its reliance on petrochemicals. Thanks to the extensive research carried out in this discipline across its campus, Norwich Research Park has a unique capability to deliver multiple potential solutions.
The announcement was made at a reception Anglia Innovation Partnership held on Thursday 23rd April at Norwich Research Park for a visiting delegation from St Louis, Missouri in the US. St Louis is home to a similar cluster of plant science and pharmaceutical research organisations and businesses, known as 39 North AgTech Innovation District. Bayer has two separate campuses in close vicinity. The delegation from St Louis flew to the UK on the inaugural direct flight from the city’s airport to Heathrow airport.
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Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, said, “Following on from the success of our on-campus incubation programme for start-ups, we are delighted to welcome Bayer on board as first sponsor of the new ‘BioTransitions’ programme.
“The connection with Bayer and St Louis is part of the work we are doing to develop the role of the campus in the global agri-food market. Much like Norwich Research Park, St Louis is a global hot spot for agri-food biotech research and commercialisation activity so we are looking at opportunities to work ‘ecosystem-to-ecosystem’, pooling our collective strengths and considering new opportunities for collaboration to help solve some of the world’s major challenges in agriculture and climate change.”
Dr Florian Jupe, Strategic Partnerships Lead Biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science division, said, “At Bayer, we are dedicated to fostering external partnerships and embracing open innovation as key drivers to transform the agricultural landscape. We have known about the potential at Norwich Research Park for some time, bolstered by numerous valuable collaborations over the years with partners from Norwich Research Park. We are excited to now advance together current early-stage businesses and help them step up to the next level in their journey to commercialisation, , and ultimately their future success in agriculture and food security.”
The BioTransitions programme will be run by a sister company of Anglia Innovation Partnership, reporting to the Anglia innovation Partnership Board, and is looking for up to four other sponsors to enable its delivery by a small team of experts.
Dr Phil Taylor, Director of Ecosystem Development at Bayer’s Crop Science division, said “We are delighted to announce our involvement as a sponsor of the ‘BioTransitions’ programme and to reinforce the collaborative work that can develop between our cities’ clusters over the next few years. These programmes matter as they combine leading research & development capabilities with in-depth knowledge and ingenuity from experts to accelerate the delivery of agricultural innovation to farmers, and we look forward to create an environment to support early-stage companies to scale.
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The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
It was in June 2025 that Space4Climate announced the two successful consortia in the Phase 2 Market Breakthrough Funding (MBF) round. They were tasked with building on insights from the first MBF, that resulted in three reports on barriers blocking take-up of EO data by end users. The aim was to develop practical roadmaps to put many of those recommendations into action.
Space4Climate members Pixalytics led the MBF Phase 2 consortium focusing on farm advisors.
The six-month Space4Climate-funded project, ‘Furthering market understanding through engaging with farm advisors to support climate services’, focused on understanding the use of satellite services within the ‘last mile’ of the agricultural supply chain – those advisors and suppliers who supply and interpret data or provide advice and/or services directly to farmers, alongside the farmers themselves.
Activities included webinars, attendance at agricultural shows and conferences, a survey, 1-to-1 interviews, and webinars supported by Agri-TechE. The discussions yielded more than 300 findings, which have been curated and are reflected in the report.
The project has been finalised by a report, including 14 key recommendations, that have ‘the potential to offer relatively low-cost quick wins to enhance the uptake and usage of satellite-derived data and information services’ by identifying suitable end users in agriculture.
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The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Most AI conversations start in the wrong place. They ask which jobs AI will replace. For farming, that misses the more useful point.
Source: Anthropic, Labor market impacts of AI: A new measure and early evidence, March 2026. Chart used for commentary and analysis.
Anthropic’s latest labour market research compared theoretical AI capability with observed AI usage across different occupations. Agriculture sits low on theoretical coverage and almost at zero on observed usage. That should not surprise anyone who understands farming. AI is not about to replace the physical reality of working land, managing livestock, fixing machinery, reading weather, making field decisions and dealing with the constant judgement calls that come with running an agricultural business. Anthropic also notes that many agricultural tasks remain beyond AI’s reach, including physical work such as pruning trees and operating farm machinery. (Anthropic)
Farming is physical, local, seasonal and full of uncertainty. That makes it hard to replace. But the rest of Anthropic’s chart tells a different story. Management, business and finance, legal, office and admin, and sales all show much higher AI coverage. Every one of those functions exists inside agriculture.
That is the real opportunity. Not replacing farming. Removing the drag around it.
For many farmers, the problem is not a lack of effort. It is that too much time gets pulled away from the work that actually needs them. Paperwork, emails, supplier comparisons, meeting notes, staff rotas, compliance documents, grant applications, customer follow-up, invoices, reports, policy updates, health and safety documents and basic planning all sit around the core work of farming. None of this is why most people got into the sector. But it still has to be done.
This is where AI can help now. Not through an overbuilt six-month project. Not by buying the latest platform because a vendor said agriculture is being transformed. Not by starting with a tool before anyone has worked out the actual problem. AI can help a farm manager turn rough notes into a clear update, summarise long documents before a decision is made, draft routine emails, turn meetings into actions, compare supplier information, build first drafts of operating procedures and structure knowledge that currently sits in someone’s head.
That does not replace the farm manager. It gives them time back.
That distinction matters. An hour saved on admin is not just an hour saved. It is an hour that can go back into work that needs experience, judgement and presence. Better conversations with staff. Better decisions on the ground. Faster follow-up with customers. Less end-of-day paperwork. Less frustration.
This is augmentation rather than automation. Automation asks, “What can we remove?” Augmentation asks, “What can we make easier?” For most agricultural businesses, that second question is the better starting point.
I wrote recently about the difference between AI augmentation and automation. The core point was simple: the question is not what AI can replace, but what good people could do if AI took the work that does not need their judgement. That point applies strongly to agriculture because so much of the core work still depends on human context, experience and real-world decision-making. (Dexlab Consulting)
The risk now is not that farmers ignore AI. The risk is that AI gets made too complicated before they even start. As more tools appear, more vendors enter the market. More platforms. More claims. More dashboards. More promises. More consultants selling large programmes before the business has even worked out where the pain is. That creates confusion. It also creates room for exploitation.
A farmer who knows they should probably be doing something with AI, but does not know where to start, is easy to overwhelm. Sell them the vision. Show them the demo. Talk about automation. Skip the foundations. That is how businesses waste money.
The better route is simpler. Start with the work. Where is time being lost? Where is admin slowing people down? Where are decisions delayed because information is scattered? Where is useful knowledge trapped in one person’s head? Where are managers doing low-judgement work that AI could help with?
That is the first layer. Not the tool. The work.
At Dexlab Consulting, I take a vendor and tool-agnostic view of AI adoption. The starting point should not be a product catalogue. It should be the reality of how the business runs. The right tool might be Microsoft Copilot. It might be ChatGPT. It might be a specialist agricultural platform. It might be no new tool at all, just better use of something the business already pays for.
The point is not to make AI sound clever. The point is to make work better.
Agriculture is well placed to get this right because the core work is not easily replaced. That gives the sector a better starting point than many office-based industries. Less fear. More usefulness. Less replacement. More support.
The businesses that win with AI in agriculture will not be the ones chasing the biggest automation story. They will be the ones that ask the simplest question first:
Where are good people spending time on work that does not need their judgement?
Start there. That is where AI becomes useful.
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The latest addition to the skyline at Morley Farms is taking on a battle against the aphids – Dr Alistair Wright is live at the launch pad.
The raised suction trap on loan from Rothamsted is being used to look at how BBRO can advance and localise their forecasting of aphid risks to validate modeling. Long-term, the plan is to enable regionalised, localised forecasts specific to where you’re farming to guide IPN, repellant use or monitoring activities.
In-field monitoring will be going live shortly via the Aphid Watch Network as the first aphids of 2026 emerge.
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Following the success of last year’s sell-out event, Ceres Group are proud to host the Ceres AgriStrategy Conference 2026.
Thursday 3rd December 2026
Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden
Designed for progressive farmers, agronomists and agricultural leaders, the conference provides an opportunity to take stock of the past year and look ahead with clarity and confidence.
Early bird tickets are now available at a discounted rate, matching last year’s pricing for a limited time only.Book today to take advantage of this offer.
Hosted by Ceres Group, the day brings together expert speakers, practical insights and evidence-led discussion to support strategic planning for the seasons ahead. We’re excited to build on the momentum of last year’s event, with new features designed to make this year’s conference even more valuable and engaging for attendees.
Join industry peers for a focused day of learning, discussion and connection, aimed at supporting resilient, informed and forward-thinking agri businesses.
BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.
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NEW FOR THIS YEAR: EXHIBITOR PACKAGES
We are excited to announce that this year’s conference will feature a dedicated exhibitors’ area.
This space is designed for AgTech businesses, innovators, and organisations looking to connect with a highly targeted audience of farmers, growers, agronomists, and rural professionals.
With over 200 farming professionals expected to attend, the event offers dedicated networking time and exhibition opportunities alongside a strong, independent speaking programme focused on data-led insight and practical strategy. Exhibitor participation is carefully curated to maximise visibility while remaining separate from conference content.
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Interested in exhibiting at this year’s event? Contact us to find out more about our exhibitor packages.
The views expressed in this Member News article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Agri-TechE.
Fertiliser continues to sit at the heart of arable profitability discussions. It remains one of the largest controllable costs on farm, yet it is also one of the most unpredictable. The focus recent is not on trying to forecast fertiliser prices, but on understanding how growers can make better decisions when volatility is no longer temporary, but structural.
The core message is clear: the greatest risk today is often not the price of fertiliser itself, but risky decision‑making driven by uncertainty, hindsight and headline reactions.
Fertiliser prices are volatile, but the real risk lies elsewhere
The past few seasons have shown just how exposed fertiliser markets are to global disruption. Geopolitical conflict, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside ongoing instability in energy markets, has created sharp price swings that feel uncomfortable and difficult to navigate.
However, focusing solely on price obscures the bigger problem. Businesses tend to respond emotionally to volatility, often reacting to the wrong signals at the wrong time. This can lead to missed opportunities, badly timed purchases, or over‑correction in following seasons.
Understanding where fertiliser risk actually comes from is the first step in managing it more effectively.
Understanding the drivers behind fertiliser markets
Nitrogen must be viewed as an energy product first, and an agricultural input second. Prices are driven primarily by natural gas values, ammonia production capacity, logistics, and geopolitics. When gas prices rise or supply chains tighten, nitrogen prices follow. Crop values, drilling progress, and farmer sentiment have very little influence.
Phosphate and potash are better thought of as geopolitical minerals. These markets tend to move more slowly but are highly sensitive to exporting nations, sanctions, and shipping routes. Supply is concentrated, which makes prices vulnerable to sudden step changes when disruption occurs.
Crucially, current market volatility is not temporary. Structural drivers such as global trade realignment, carbon pricing, environmental constraints on production, and geopolitical tension mean that input markets are likely to remain unstable for the foreseeable future.
The question is no longer when prices will return to normal, but how farm businesses can operate profitably in a permanently volatile input environment.
The current fertiliser landscape
As of spring 2026, fertiliser markets remain tight and nervous.
Global urea prices are being propped up by disruption risk around the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 30 percent of global urea shipments pass. With periods of production offline and strong buying interest from India, prices remain elevated.
In the UK, ammonium nitrate prices are firm, supported by constrained European production and high raw material costs. NS compounds are increasingly difficult to source, with little new stock expected. Liquid nitrogen remains available and can still be cost‑effective for applications such as earwash, particularly where milling premiums are modest.
Phosphate fertilisers such as DAP and TSP are available but expensive, limiting flexibility for maize and spring cropping decisions. MOP has so far avoided the sharp price rises seen elsewhere, although it is not immune to future increases.
Putting fertiliser prices into a UK context
Viewed in isolation, fertiliser prices look alarming. However, when set alongside UK wheat values, a more nuanced picture emerges.
Crop prices have also moved to a higher average level than pre‑2020, helping to offset some of the increased input cost pressure. Affordability is strained, but not unprecedented.
Looking back over the past decade reinforces this point. The extreme spike in fertiliser prices during 2022 was exceptional, but prices never fully returned to earlier norms. Similarly, wheat prices now sit on a higher plane than during the 2010s.
The key shift is that both inputs and outputs are now more volatile, increasing the consequences of poor timing and emotionally driven decisions.
Figure 1. Nitrogen prices vs Wheat ex-farm prices. Source: AHDB.
An exit strategy for a volatile world
Rather than chasing the lowest possible fertiliser price in hindsight, develop strategies that reduce exposure and protect margin.
Key principles include:
Accepting volatility as permanent, not temporary
Stopping attempts to time the market
Buying fertiliser in tranches rather than committing to total requirements in one go
Linking fertiliser purchases to crop margin and, where appropriate, forward grain pricing
Investing in nutrient efficiency to reduce exposure over time
Protecting certainty through written strategies, price triggers, and pre‑agreed decisions rather than emotion.
In volatile markets, the goal is not perfection. It is avoiding catastrophic outcomes and preserving business resilience.
From market strategy to field decisions
Understanding fertiliser markets is only half the picture. The real challenge is translating that volatility into sensible nitrogen decisions in the field, particularly in a dry spring where crop response is uncertain.
We explore this practical reality in a follow‑on members article focused on nitrogen decision‑making under dry, variable conditions, including where flexibility exists and how to avoid irreversible decisions too early in the season. You can read this article here, or re-watch our Monthly Agronomy Club here where we discussed these topics in even more detail.
If you’d like to learn more, or become a Ceres Research Member, please visit here. Remember, Agri-TechE members receive 10% off the membership through the Member Discount Scheme! Enquire with us to find out more.
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AEA AGM, Conference & Luncheon
A very special guest: Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal addresses the AEA Conference
It was a true honour and a privilege for us to have Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal join us at the AEA Conference on Tuesday, and for her to address our audience during the speeches. We feel it was an amazing end to the 150th year celebrations. We will be able to offer a little more insight next week when our official release is approved, but for now a huge thanks to Steve Gibbs of Service Dealer magazine for such a lovely write-up. ROYAL VISIT AEA CONFERENCE
Dame Angela Eagle DBE, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, announces further funding new plans for agri-tech growth at AEA Conference
We were especially delighted for the farming minister to attend, who in her speech, clearly recognised the importance of the Agri-tech sector, alluding to its recognition as a priority sub-sector within Advanced Manufacturing in the Government’s Industrial Strategy. She took the opportunity to announce a new £5 million round of Defra’s Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition, opening next month.
Speaking at the AEA Conference, the minister confirmed the further funding round for 2026 to 2027, intended to drive more private investment into agri-tech growth. The scheme supports businesses developing innovations that are close to market for use on farms. It combines funding from government with private investment from more than 150 experienced investors in Innovate UK’s Investor Partner Pool. The aim is to help bring practical, farm-focused innovations into everyday use. The funded projects will focus on improving productivity, reducing costs and supporting more sustainable farming.
The latest round is backed by £5 million of government and previous competitions have attracted private investment worth around five times the government input. The next round of the competition will open for applications on 11 May, closing on 17 June. Applicants must be UK-registered SMEs and have projects costing between £750,000 and £3 million, lasting for up to 18 months. Further details about how to apply will follow shortly (the previous version can be found here).
Defra have also issued a reminder that the closing date for applications under the 2026 round of the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is midday on Tuesday 28 April. This is likely to be the final round of FETF funding in its current form.
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AgriSound has launched a major European field trial with international food group, Importaco, to measure how regenerative farming affects pollination and crop performance in almond orchards.
The 2026 bloom season pilot will see AgriSound’s Polly monitoring technology deployed across two commercial almond production sites in Spain and Portugal, capturing real-time data on bee activity, pollination performance and crop outcomes.
The project with Importaco, specialises in the production, processing and distribution of nuts, dried fruit and mineral water, is developed in line with the company’s commitment to promoting agricultural practices aimed at protecting biodiversity, and with the pathway undertaken across the value chain towards decarbonisation.
By directly linking pollinator performance to nut set, yield and quality the trial aims to provide large-scale commercial evidence of how regenerative farming practices affect both biodiversity and productivity in tree nut crops.
More than 120 field sensors will be installed across the orchards, making it one of the most detailed pollination monitoring programmes currently underway in European almond production.
AgriSound’s Polly monitoring devices will be deployed to two of Importaco’s almond productions sites; Zurria, Spain, a 50-hectare orchard, and Freixo, Portugal, a 23-hectare site.
The trial will evaluate performance across four core areas:
Pollination performance – tracking hourly bee activity, generating field-wide heatmaps, and monitoring hive dynamics during bloom
Crop outcomes – analysing nut set, yield and quality to quantify return on investment
Biodiversity and regenerative impact – comparing pollinator activity across habitats and management systems to evidence biodiversity gains from regenerative practices
Operational insights – identifying underperforming orchard zones and linking pollinator activity directly to yield and quality improvements.
Sensor deployment has been tailored to Importaco’s orchard geometry to ensure complete spatial coverage. Zurria’s larger, uniform blocks will use a wider hexagonal grid, while Freixo’s smaller, fragmented polygons will use tighter spacing to prevent pollination ‘dead zones’. AgriSound’s devices will be positioned to avoid end-of-row microclimates, ensuring representative bloom monitoring across both edge and interior zones.
Casey Woodward, founder and CEO of AgriSound, said: “Pollination is one of the most important, yet least measured, drivers of crop performance. By working with Importaco across both regenerative and conventional almond systems, this pilot allows us to directly link pollinator activity with real crop outcomes such as nut set, yield and quality.
“The goal is to generate robust, independent data that helps growers and food companies to understand where regenerative practices are delivering measurable benefits, while also demonstrating how precision monitoring can support more resilient and productive orchard systems at scale.”
Lucia Donnini, Director of Agricultural science at Importaco, added: “Importaco is committed to advancing sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices across our supply chains, and understanding the role of pollinators is a key part of that journey.
“Partnering with AgriSound gives us an exciting opportunity to apply vital monitoring technology to our almond orchards and generate the robust, data-driven insights needed to better understand how pollination influences both biodiversity and crop performance. We’re looking forward to working together to demonstrate how innovation can support healthier ecosystems while delivering strong outcomes for growers and food production.”
To explore the technologies, science and industry partnerships driving this work, AgriSound will also be participating in The Productive Landscape: NatureTech for Profit and Planet, hosted by Agri‑TechE on 28 April 2026. The event brings together farmers, researchers, technologists and supply‑chain leaders to discuss how nature‑tech innovation is enabling the delivery and measurement of ecosystem services across productive landscapes.
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ADAS
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AgriSound Ltd
