The UK Agri-Tech sector has received a significant boost following positive remarks from Defra Secretary Steve Reed OBE at the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC). Opening the event on January 9th, Reed placed a strong emphasis on agri-tech and precision breeding, highlighting their critical role in shaping the future of agriculture and securing the backing of the Labour Government.
The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP – Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agri-Tech and Precision Breeding in Focus
Steve Reed described agri-tech and precision breeding as essential for the sector’s future, stating:
“Our intention is to support these schemes because the future of the industry is dependent on getting them right.”
Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive of the UK Agri-Tech Centre
For Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, this focus was a welcome endorsement of the transformative potential of technology in farming. Bicknell praised the Secretary of State’s commitment to food production and sustainable farming businesses, saying:
“It was great to hear him talk about the importance of agri-tech and precision breeding and the complexity and circularity of agricultural production.”
As a science-led organisation, the UK Agri-Tech Centre is well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural practices, making Reed’s message particularly encouraging.
Oxford Farming Conference
Launch of ADOPT: Accelerating Innovation in Farming
One of the key announcements at the OFC was the launch of ADOPT (Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies), a new initiative under the Farming Innovation Programme. Due to roll out this spring, ADOPT will:
Fund farmer-led trials of new technologies, systems, and approaches.
Focus on improving profitability, productivity, and sustainability for farmers, growers, and foresters across England.
Phil Bicknell applauded this initiative, highlighting its importance:
“ADOPT is so important because unless you can place innovation in the hands of end users, in this case farmers, and accelerate the pace of adoption then we are missing out on the opportunities which are out there.”
With ADOPT, the government aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that innovations reach the hands of the people who will benefit most—farmers.
Precision Breeding and Legislative Progress
Another key announcement was the plan to introduce secondary legislation by the end of March to unlock the potential of precision breeding technology. This step aims to position the UK as a leader in sustainable and advanced agricultural practices. For the UK Agri-Tech Centre, this was another reason to celebrate, as it aligns perfectly with their mission to advance evidence-based and technology-driven solutions for the sector.
UK Agri-Tech Centre at the Oxford Farming Conference
The Oxford Farming Conference is a highlight in the farming calendar, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre played a prominent role this year as a gold partner. The Centre sponsored the Thursday afternoon session, ‘Adapting to a Changing World’, which featured thought-provoking discussions on how agriculture is evolving in response to global challenges.
The session underlined the importance of innovation in addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and food security, reinforcing the key themes of the conference.
A Bright Future for Agri-Tech
The positive focus on agri-tech and the introduction of ADOPT signal a promising future for UK agriculture. By prioritising innovation and collaboration, the government is enabling farmers to adapt to a rapidly changing world, while also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in agricultural technology.
For those of us passionate about tech and innovation, this is an exciting time to watch how precision breeding, AI-driven systems, and sustainable practices transform the farming industry.
What are your thoughts on the government’s renewed focus on agri-tech? Let us know in the comments below!
