increase font size
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.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
If there was a silver lining in the tragedy that was Cyclone Gabrielle, for New Zealand Young Grower of the Year, Grace Fulford, it was the tremendous sense of community and seeing first-hand what good leadership looks like.
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
Spinach is NZ's favourite leafy green, according to the Department of Statistics.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…
