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Bridgit Hawkins, Chair of AgriTechNZ, with Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre
A new agreement will strengthen New Zealand’s agri-tech sector by fostering a shared commitment to innovation with the United Kingdom.
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.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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