Agri-TechE AgriChat

As the UK considers closer alignment with European agricultural regulations, what could it mean for innovation, trade and farm productivity? ‪@Agri-Tech-E‬ Director, Belinda Clarke, speaks with Bayer UK & Ireland's Head of Public Affairs, Mark Buckingham, about the opportunities, risks and challenges facing UK agriculture as policymakers consider closer alignment with European sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations. The discussion examines the potential benefits of reducing trade friction between the UK and EU, including easier movement of agricultural goods and inputs across borders. However, Mark also highlights concerns that increased regulatory alignment could reduce the flexibility that has enabled the UK to develop its own approach to agricultural innovation following Brexit. A key theme is the UK's ambition to become a leader in agricultural innovation. Mark discusses examples where the UK has moved ahead in areas such as precision breeding legislation and crop protection approvals, creating opportunities for farmers to access new technologies more quickly. He considers whether these advantages could be maintained under a more aligned regulatory framework and what this could mean for future investment and innovation. The conversation also explores the growing interest in regenerative agriculture, including changing approaches to crop production, soil health and sustainable farming systems. Mark explains how companies such as Bayer are adapting their research and development activities to support evolving farmer and market requirements through advances in plant breeding, biological products and crop protection technologies. Another important topic is the future role of glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in global agriculture. Mark discusses its importance within modern farming systems, its relevance to regenerative agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, and the regulatory outlook for its continued use in Great Britain. Looking ahead, the interview considers the UK's long-term vision for agriculture and the policy decisions that will shape the sector's future. From trade and regulation to innovation, sustainability and food production, the discussion offers insight into how agricultural businesses are assessing both the opportunities and uncertainties facing British farming over the coming decades.

Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE, speaks with Niall Mottram, VP of Energy and Carbon Dioxide Removal at ‪Cambridge Consultants‬ about about how technologies and ideas developed in other industries can help solve some of agriculture's most pressing challenges and bridging the "missing middle" between research and commercialisation in agri-tech. Drawing on experience across the energy, telecommunications and infrastructure sectors, Niall explains how cross-sector innovation can help tackle major agricultural challenges around water management, energy resilience and productivity. He shares an example of a precision irrigation system developed with ‪Netafim, where fibre-optic communications technology is being used to improve water efficiency while supporting crop growth. The conversation explores whether agriculture could benefit from a similar innovation funding model to the UK's Strategic Innovation Fund, helping promising technologies move beyond academia and into practical deployment on farms. Topics include technology commercialisation, robotics, drones, digital agriculture, regional growth, food security and sustainable farming. Niall also discusses why agriculture should be recognised as critical national infrastructure and highlights the growing importance of cyber security, post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing and resilience planning for the future of food production.

Agri-Tech-E‬'s Director, Belinda Clarke, speaks with David Linton, Commercial Agriculture Manager at ‪Barenbrug‬, about the future of grassland management, sustainable farming and climate-resilient agriculture - and the often-overlooked role of grassland innovation and breeding in modern farming. David explains why "grass is not just grass", exploring how modern plant breeding is developing drought-tolerant and deep-rooting grass species that can improve forage production, soil health, nutrient use efficiency and farm resilience. David also discusses the impact of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), how it has encouraged farmers to think differently about what is happening below ground, the benefits of diverse grass mixtures including tall fescue, timothy and perennial ryegrass, and the growing importance of resilience in livestock and mixed farming systems.The conversation also highlights the role of carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture and Barenbrug's new UK breeding centre in Knutsford, which is developing grass varieties specifically suited to British farming conditions. With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, plant breeding is becoming a critical tool for developing grass varieties that can withstand both drought and flooding while supporting productive, sustainable agriculture. Whether you're interested in livestock farming, grass breeding, climate adaptation or agricultural innovation, this discussion provides valuable insights into how innovation in grass breeding is helping farmers adapt to climate change, improve soil health, support carbon sequestration and build more resilient farming systems for the future.

How should businesses actually prepare for the upcoming UK-EU SPS Agreement - the new strategic partnership regulating food, plant, and animal trade?Part of 'resetting' our relationship with Europe means 'dynamically aligning' - ie adopting some of the rules of the EU. We might not have the final, comprehensive instructions from government yet, but we know where the changes are heading: if you grow arable crops, brassicas, or horticulture, or if you manage livestock and poultry, your daily practices are going to change. 🌾🥦🐔We sat down with Sarah Evered from Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Business Readiness Unit to map out what you can do right now to prepare your business for the eventualities ahead. The advice is to keep tracking the latest Defra updates and keep your eyes, ears, and minds open. 👀

Global events are putting pressure in supply chains for inputs vital to the agriculture industry. Should we be worried? How can we adapt to what is fast becoming a new normal? And what advice do AF have for farmers? Chief Agricultural Office John Barrett discusses. AF is the UK’s largest agricultural purchasing co-operative and works with thousands of farmers across the UK.

We're talking with Managing Director of De Sangosse Phil Carpenter this week on the R&D capabilities and needs for spray applications in the UK. With the closure of the Silsoe facilities, what's next for UK research in this area and why is it so important?De Sangosse is a European leader in complementary chemistry and molluscicides providing growers with innovative new approaches to protecting crops against disease, pests and the effects of adverse weather from seed to harvest.https://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/civi_member/de-sangosse/