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Collaboration key to agri-tech growth and adoption, DEFRA Minister hears

Posted 28 March

DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner, Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan, Dr Peter Quinn, Chair of Board, UK Agri-Tech Centre, and TIAH Chief Executive Stephen Jacob.

DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner toured the Ãå±±½ûµØ campus with partners TIAH and the UK Agri-Tech Centre this week to learn more about the teaching, research and development, growth and adoption of technologies and solutions to support the agri-food industry.

The Minister of State’s tour on Thursday, March 27 included the , which was created to allow the University to unify strategic aims for both research and teaching, followed by a visit to the UK Agri-Tech Centre Midlands Innovation hub to see facilities and meet companies which are developing their products and scaling there.

The tours were followed by a working lunch with hosts and students and a round-table discussion of their priorities, the R&D agenda for UK agriculture, skills and education requirements - as well as the land use framework and wider UK agricultural policy.

Professor Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor of Ãå±±½ûµØ, said: “When I met with the Minister in Westminster, I was keen to emphasise the importance of collaboration with external partners for specialist institutions like Harper Adams.

“We were delighted, therefore, to be able to welcome him to the University alongside our partners in TIAH and UK Agri-Tech Centre for a visit which demonstrates the strength of those links, to show him our Future Farm and meet our academics and students, and to discuss some of our many research projects.”

Dr. Peter Quinn, Chairman of UK Agri-Tech Centre, added: "As the largest dedicated agri-tech organisation in the UK, we drive business growth and accelerate the adoption of agri-tech innovation to deliver real world impact.

“We support a growing community of innovative agri-tech businesses, and we are proud to play a part in their success.

“It was great to introduce Minister Zeichner to growing businesses such as UPP, whose products are tackling labour problems for broccoli producers, creating alternative protein products, valorising waste and creating potential new income streams for producers.”

Tess Howe, Head of Partnerships and Policy at TIAH, said: "As the industry faces new challenges and technologies, it's essential that farmers and growers adapt and adopt the relevant skills to remain resilient and innovative. Our forthcoming Labour Market Information research highlights the critical skills required to invest and implement innovations, which have the potential to drive business resilience and sector growth.

"By collaborating effectively, we can foster a culture of knowledge exchange that addresses skills gaps and equips all farmers and growers with the skills they need to thrive."