Friday, 06 December 2024 11:55

NZ/UK forge agri tech link

Written by  Mark Daniel
Bridgit Hawkins, Chair of AgriTechNZ, with Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre 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.

More like this

Deutz AG and TAFE Motors Launch Engine Facility in India

Founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1864, Deutz AG is the world’s oldest engine company, with its engines and systems used in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment, such as forklift and telehandlers, as well as stationary equipment such as gen-sets.

Deutz AG and TAFE Motors Launch Engine Facility in India

Founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1864, Deutz AG is the world’s oldest engine company, with its engines and systems used in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment, such as forklift and telehandlers, as well as stationary equipment such as gen-sets.

Farm Smarter, Not Harder

New research suggests the ag sector can unlock a $2.9 billion increase in profitability, not by farmers and growing more, but by making their farming systems simpler.

Featured

Carrfields Marks 50 Years as Rural Health Programme Grows

Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.

Taupiri Farmers Chase Ownership After Awards Success

For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter