The UK Agri-Tech Centre brought together government, agri-food industry and investors at an event at the House of Lords recently to foster informed and joined-up policy.
The event, kindly hosted by Lord Trees, was part of the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s commitment to create an environment that enables agri-tech innovation and adoption to flourish.
Around sixty people, including parliamentarians from both Houses and civil servants from multiple departments, joined UK Agri-Tech Centre board members and staff, along with industry and the investment community. The event was held to strengthen connections and to share how the Centre is accelerating the development and deployment of agri-tech innovation, creating resilient, sustainable agri-food systems and supporting economic growth.
Most recently, the UK Agri-Tech Centre has submitted examples of regulatory barriers in innovation to the newly established Regulatory Innovation Office. It has also welcomed the Defra Secretary of State, Steve Reed’s announcement that he will introduce secondary legislation for precision breeding to the House of Commons at the end of March this year.
UK Agri-Tech Centre chief executive officer, Phil Bicknell, who addressed the event, said: “Through our proactive engagement with politicians, government departments, industry and investors, we are shaping the landscape that will unlock agri-tech’s full potential for the UK and beyond.
“Fully realised, agri-tech offers solutions that span critical priorities, creating resilient and sustainable businesses, supporting food security and stimulating economic growth for the UK, domestically and globally.
“Our nationwide innovation facilities, farm network and agri-tech expertise are driving the development and deployment of agri-tech innovation, supporting government, industry and investor ambitions in the shift to sustainable systems.
“Agri-tech can be characterised as simply drones and robots, but the reality is broader and more transformative, encompassing bio-based inputs, genetic resources, circular systems, alternative feeds and fertilisers, vaccines and pen-side diagnostics, as well as next-generation sensor and predictive modelling technology.
“We work with businesses that are thinking outside the box, bringing fresh ideas and new ideas to the sector. Using our facilities, equipment and expertise at 43 innovation facilities and the network of 22 farms across the country to help test, refine and scale agri-tech and management practices with real-world impact.
“The agri-food sector will always face challenges, but by fast-tracking the development and deployment of innovation we are helping to become more dynamic, resilient and sustainable than ever before.”
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