NZ Cuts Drone Red Tape for Farmers — Aviation Pushes Back
The agricultural aviation industry has reacted angrily to government plans to cut regulations to make it easier for farmers to buy drones and use them on their farms.
AgriTechNZ and the UK Agri- Tech Centre (UKATC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen ties and promote knowledge, expertise, and innovation exchange between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our mission to foster global partnerships and innovation across the agritech sector. By creating bidirectional pathways between New Zealand and the UK, we are amplifying opportunities for collaboration and shared solutions to advance agricultural knowledge and innovation,” says Bridgit Hawkins, chair of AgriTechNZ.
“We greatly welcome the proposed collaboration under a MoU with AgriTechNZ. Working together not only highlights the importance of partnership working in this area, but demonstrates the potential positive impact we can have on the agri-tech industry. I look forward to seeing fruitful opportunities develop to the benefit of both countries,” says Phil Bicknell, chief executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre.
The MoU outlines initiatives that focus on sharing expertise and insights to support innovation, alongside helping companies navigate new markets through tailored incubation and resources.
Meanwhile, webinars, workshops, and trade missions will help strengthen industry connections, while collaborative research will foster links to tackle mutual priorities.
The collaboration will help connect farm trial networks in both countries, allowing innovators to test solutions in the opposite hemisphere, with the added benefit of exploring joint bids for Horizon Europe – the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme.
UKATC will support New Zealand companies entering the UK market, while AgriTech NZ will support UK companies in New Zealand, ensuring both benefit from shared expertise. By leveraging their collective expertise, AgriTechNZ and UKATC aim to empower businesses, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable agricultural practices.
“This agreement is going to help farmers and innovators on both sides of the world, working together for the greater good,” says Iona Thomas, OBE, British High Commissioner to New Zealand.
“Technology and collaboration are key to furthering innovative primary production and doubling export value, so it’s great to see the partnership between the UK and NZ agri-tech organisations providing robust outcomes for farmers, trade and ecosystems,” says New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay.
