Aotearoa agritech is seeing remarkable progress in new global partnerships, collaborations, investments and team growth.
A surge of company announcements from around the country support the sector focus exemplified in New Zealand’s agritech industry transformation plan. It feels like fertile ground for a burst of growth in 2022 and beyond, he says.
“Dunedin’s AbacusBio has just announced their deepening relationship with Bayer Crop Science, in the area of predictive plant breeding.
“It’s a powerful partnership and an excellent example of New Zealand research and technology strengths having global impact.”
In fiscal 2020, the Bayer group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 41.4 billion euros.
Ag software leaders FarmIQ and Farmax have joined forces with AgResearch. The strategic partnership represents a promising combination of research and commercial skills with both domestic and international potential.
AgResearch will become FarmIQ’s preferred provider of science and research going forward. FarmIQ will acquire Farmax and blend the teams.
The agricultural science integrated within Farmax makes it unique and has helped deliver real impact to the sector estimated to be $1.1 billion in increased gross margin over the last decade alone.
O’Connell says global agritech business Bluelab, based in Tauranga, have brought on new shareholders Pioneer Capital and New Zealand Superannuation Fund to fund further growth of their business.
“Also, New Zealand electric utility bike company UBCO are seeking interest in their series B round through Snowball Effect. Already strong globally, they are looking to accelerate their sales growth strategies through both direct to consumer and business to business models.
“Meanwhile, agritech startup Auckland orchard management software company Hectre is positioning for global growth after attracting $3.5 million in new capital.
“The team is already trading in global markets and this vote of confidence will further empower them to build the team and bring new capabilities to fruit growers and packers around the world.”
The company’s latest technology, Spectre, uses artificial intelligence to provide data for growers on fruit size and colour and helps estimate crop yields.
The technology can also help with decision-making in fruit pack houses regarding storage, packing, sales, and reduces waste. Developed for apples, the technology is now being used in the citrus industry.
Auckland’s WayBeyond, which develops controlled environment growing solutions for sustainable food production, is taking home-grown agritech to empower growers in Latin America through a growing team presence in that region.
Global agritech business Gallagher, headquartered in Hamilton, have demonstrated the fruits of an open innovation strategy through successive investment and ultimate acquisition of virtual fencing leader Agersons in Australia.
Gallagher will now make further improvements to the eShepherd solution and accelerate commercial expansion across Australian and international markets.
Tauranga’s Trimax Mowing Systems has notched up 40 years in business, also proving agritech success isn’t limited to startups.
Trimax is operating globally and is investigating emerging technologies with the aim to make even smarter and more responsive systems.
The firm has manufacturing, assembly and warehousing facilities in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
For further information contact Brendan O’Connell on 021 369740 or NZTech’s media specialist, Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188
The raise comes ahead of an intended public listing in early 2022 on the Catalist Public Market.
Focused on developing heat-tolerant cattle in tropical climates, TDG’s genetics are sold into markets throughout Asia, the USA and South America, improving animal welfare and helping the world’s hottest communities provide greater food and protein security.
Chair Tim Heeley says this is a great opportunity for New Zealanders to invest in a world-first genetic solution, originating from the Waikato.
“TDG is a technology-driven, growth business. Being a pioneering genetics company with a global perspective, coupled with a presence anchored in New Zealand, makes us a unique investment opportunity,” he says.
“We are predicting good interest from dairy farmers as well as the wider New Zealand ag community. The investment should also appeal to people looking to fund solutions to global food insecurity issues linked to climate change.”
The Ohaupo-based company started breeding tropical dairy genetics in 2008, with fourteen private investors to date – many of them New Zealand dairy farmers.
Now, TDG invites wholesale investors to come onboard, allowing access through a nominee investment vehicle with a minimum investment amount of $10,000.
Colin Magee, Catalist’s CEO says he is delighted to welcome Tropical Dairy Group to the exchange.
“It’s great to see TDG taking the next step in their growth journey by listing on a Catalist Private Market and we’re pleased we can help facilitate both capital raising and generating liquidity for their investors,” he says.
“We hope this initial offer will help with their goal of a public listing on our licensed stock exchange early next year – it’d mean anyone in New Zealand, not just wholesale investors, could buy shares in this unique investment opportunity.”
TDG announced earlier this year it has bred the world’s first team of Jersey bulls that all carry the dominant “Slick” gene – meaning daughters of these bulls are certain to exhibit heat tolerant traits. Cows with the Slick gene cope better in tropical climates, mitigating heat stress and improving milk production for countries with some of the world’s greatest deficits of protein.
To date, the Slick gene has been bred into Holsteins, Crossbreeds and Jerseys, leading to the TDG herd being the largest and most diverse slick-breeding herd in the world.
Following TDG’s planned 2022 public offering, investors will have the opportunity to trade TDG’s shares every six months, in a secondary market, on the Catalist exchange.
This week, the software powerhouses of FarmIQ and Farmax have joined forces with AgResearch. The strategic partnership represents a promising combination of research and commercial skills with both domestic and international potential. Read more.
Global agritech business Bluelab, headquartered in Tauranga, have brought on new shareholders (Pioneer Capital and New Zealand Superannuation Fund) to fund further growth of their business. We wish them well in the next phase of their journey to empower the controlled agriculture growers of the future to create a healthier world for all.
New Zealand electric utility bike company UBCO are seeking interest in their Series B round through Snowball Effect. Already strong globally, they are looking to accelerate their sales growth strategies through both direct to consumer and business to business models.
Congratulations to our member WayBeyond for continuing their growth and taking home-grown agritech to empower growers in Latin America! Read more.
In other news, Tauranga based Trimax Mowing Systems celebrates 40 years in business, proving agritech success isn’t limited to startups. Trimax is operating globally and after four decades continues to innovate. Currently, Trimax is investigating emerging technologies with the aim to make even smarter and more responsive systems. If electrical propulsion and control is your game, you may want to give them a call!
Opportunities to engage There is so much happening in agritech and we would like to share further company news plus an array of new tools and supports. Since we can’t yet travel the country, we’ve postponed the physical Agritech Connect Tour and will instead host an online Agritech Connect Seminar. We’ll cover key topics including:
The latest industry news and innovations you should know about
New tools and support available to you
An update on the latest from the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (AITP)
Discussion on topics that shape our sector: global connections, agritech business supports, industry collaborations and technology adoption.
We’re looking forward to seeing you online and are seeking your input to guide the emphasis we put on presentation topics and breakout sessions. Please complete this survey and register to join us on 30 November. We’ll continue the discussions and look forward to visiting your city in early 2022.
Digital adoption in New Zealand Primary Industries Data collection has begun in our research into digital adoption of technology in New Zealand Primary Industries. We have completed a pilot to test the survey across a geographically spread cohort of dairy, dry stock, arable and horticultural businesses. Over the coming months we’ll gather more data on factors relating to adoption or acceptance of new technology. This work will build on other studies and deliver insights on current and forecast use of technology, reasons and barriers for uptake, intentions to invest and the drivers of those intentions. Given the importance of the topic, we’ve also included some inquiry on the attitudes of producers/growers to data sharing. For example, what technologies do you think are on the shopping list of our farmers and growers? What would you expect to be the greater motivators:
Affordability or Potential value?
Ease of use or Availability of support?
Towards new capabilities or Away from breaching regulations?
Seeing evidence of benefits or Seeing the potential to reduce workload?
We are Powered by Place Last month, I joined workshops with United Kingdom (UK) based, New Zealand agritech companies who are part of a pilot marketing campaign to activate our Agritech Story, Powered by Place. In collaboration with Government agencies and agritech businesses, we are piloting offshore agritech campaigns, initially targeting the UK. The learnings from this will then provide a blueprint for activation in other markets.
So, what truly makes New Zealand agritech unique? Watch the video here. Please view the Powered by Place toolkit with insights, messaging, images and videos to help you share the New Zealand Agritech story in your market. You can also leverage the campaign by using the ready-to-share social tiles in your marketing with #NZAgritech or #PoweredbyPlace hashtags on social media. The campaign toolkit includes all the assets (yes, it’s free!) and guidance on how they can be used.
Global insights and opportunities This month we began our Global Agritech Futures Series in partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), and Callaghan Innovation. The series is designed to bring together global thought leaders, innovation experts and industry leaders to explore new trends, opportunities, challenges and ways to solve them.
Last week, we hosted a team from Bayer Crop Science and they shared their Technology Focus Areas in a bid to identify potential partners. Next week, we are hosting an international team from Plug and Play Tech Center who connect blue chip corporations with the brightest agritech startups around the world. They sing our tune in terms of the importance of making connections through engaging with supported ecosystems. Join this second event in the series and learn why being part of an ecosystem is key to growth.
Ngā mihi,
Brendan Chief Executive AgriTech New Zealand
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WayBeyond has established its first Latin American presence with the establishment of a new Business Development Consultant role in Mexico City, supporting growers in the region with their technology needs.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Celene Solis to the team and have someone on the ground with her expertise working with growers. Celene will play a key part in our strategy introducing our transformative solutions to the region and giving us insight to the needs of local growers,” says Darryn Keiller, CEO & Founder.
“Mexico has a production value of more than USD$3 billion with an ever-increasing growth through the more than 57 thousand hectares of protected cropping. We see the value we can add to producers through new technology and data support for optimizing their businesses.”
Mexico is a horticulture powerhouse, being the world’s 4th largest fruit and vegetables exporter. It is among the three largest producers for several crops, including avocado, lemon, papaya, blackberry, and pepper.
Different public policies have been designed for the agricultural sector in Mexico, aiming to increase productivity, social inclusion, and sustainability growth.
Ms Solis joins WayBeyond with over 10 years’ experience in agribusiness including key account management with Monsanto and Bayer Crop Science.
“I’m very excited to work for another global company that has a vision to support growers with smart solutions,” says Ms Solis.
“The industry in Mexico is ready to take the next step and the WayBeyond offerings of sensor networks, yield prediction, data platforms and other cutting-edge solutions, are exactly what is required to take production to the next level.”
WayBeyond has key people based in New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United States and now Mexico. This expansion into a new market and ongoing growth over the past two years is also supported by the New Zealand Government.
“It is fantastic to see New Zealand AgTech innovation being applied in Mexico to support local growers. Having local staff is really important for any company but especially in the agribusiness sector. New Zealand technology is globally recognized for helping growers of all sizes enhance efficiencies and work smarter and I am very excited to see how we can further our collaboration in-market with WayBeyond,” explains Rhianon Berry, New Zealand Trade Commissioner Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
If you’re a grower in the Mexico region, get in touch with Celene and discuss how your business can grow to the next level – info@waybeyond.io
“We’ve had 40 years of innovation which challenges the status quo. Thinking outside the box is something we’re good at because we’re driven to find better ways forward,” says CEO Michael Sievwright.
Trimax was founded in 1981 by Bob Sievwright, an engineer with family roots in agriculture and a passion for high performance machinery.
Bob developed the Gamma Flail, an innovative aerodynamic mower flail to simplify manufacturing processes and increase operational efficiency compared with welded flails of the time. After six weeks of development, Bob gained his first customer! But this was short lived, when just a month later, the company burnt to the ground. Determined to keep his flail on the market, Bob bought the remains of the business and partnered with another local manufacturer to establish Trimax Mowing Systems.
Today, Trimax’s rotary and flail equipment is a market leading mowing solution around the world and can be found on such high-profile turf as England’s Silverstone Race Circuit and US PGA Championship courses. Trimax has manufacturing, assembly and warehousing facilities in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“Trimax has had to learn to adapt to each of our different markets. We learned that we needed to design products to suit market-specific needs and preferences, relying on our technical foundations and pillars of culture to guide our connections to our customers,” says Michael.
Looking to the future, Trimax is investigating emerging technologies with the aim to make smarter and more responsive systems. View the Trimax Story here and discover how a curious approach and humble attitude has enabled their ongoing growth.
Written by Catherine Harris | Senior Business Journalist
One thing you can be certain about in the agricultural sector is that it’s always changing. Adaption is a constant for farmers, as sure as the weather.
But the challenges farming is currently facing are some of the greatest the sector’s ever had: climate change, environmental constraints, labour shortages and shipping issues.
Which raises a question: will these be the same challenges farming is facing in 10 or 20 years?
The Government has already been contemplating this question. Last June, the Ministry for Primary Industries put out “Fit for a better world,” a game plan to accelerate farming’s potential.
The plan is to add $44 billion in value to export earnings within the next decade, restore our rivers to health in a generation, and lower our methane emissions.
It also aims to see 10 per cent more New Zealanders employed in the food and fibre sector by 2030. That’s 10,000 more workers in the next four years.
These are ambitious targets, but a variety of experts consulted by Stuff agreed farming could not stand still. So what does the future look like?
TECHNOLOGY
Ask Brendan O’Connell about the future and he’ll fall back on an old adage: “The future is here, it’s just not evenly distributed”.
O’Connell who heads up the industry-led body AgritechNZ, is at the forefront of many inspiring New Zealand-based farming tech companies.
He reels off a few – remote herd management tool Halter, accelerated plant growth company BioLumic, and WayBeyond, which uses AI and big data to improve and predict the yields of hothouse crops.
These companies point to a huge rise in the precision and convenience of farming in coming years.
O’Connell says farmers have already seen a first wave of technology in terms of labour-saving devices.
“The next wave of technology, and you’re seeing it already, is the stuff that actually brings new insights, measuring things that weren’t measured before, or at a greater level of detail than before.”
A robotic apple picker at one of T&G Global’s orchards in Hawke’s Bay.
Expect also more innovation geared at solving pressing issues like labour and methane.
Automation is our labour-starved orchards is already being used but it’s yet to become commonplace.
“It’s going to be a gradual adjustment,” O’Connell says.
“I don’t think you’ll see robots coming in and replacing all workers in any farming system overnight. What you’ll start seeing is more automation used to maybe take the peak of picking requirements, to flatten that out … so that humans can follow afterwards and pick up the bulk.”
WayBeyond uses AI to give farmers more data and certainty around yield, quality, shape, colour and taste. Darryn Keiler hopes that one day it will be rolled out to more traditional crops too.
Darryn Keiller, WayBeyond’s chief executive, says his company only became possible with technological advances a few years ago.
Future farmers would be facing more demands around water, regulatory changes, food safety and now greenhouse gases. “So our role is to help them manage all that complexity”.
Keiller says New Zealand biotech and agriculture science is world-leading but it desperately needs more investment from the Government and venture capitalists.
“There’s just not enough funding here. Innovating in this space is expensive, especially if you want the reach to be global not just local.”
Kiwifruit is horticulture’s star performer and has made breeding for the customer an art form.
ADDING VALUE
Few people would argue with the goal of creating $44b in added export value, least of all Professor Caroline Saunders, head of Lincoln University agribusiness and economic research unit.
“Historically New Zealand farming has tended to be a culture of low cost and the truth is that nothing from New Zealand should be low cost, it should be high value.”
Saunders’ team at Lincoln has been working on a tool which shows how much sub-groups in key markets are prepared to pay.
For instance, she says, zero carbon and more sugary kiwifruit sells much better than ordinary kiwifruit in Japan, winning much higher premiums even though it results in less fruit.
“I can see a shift in New Zealand agriculture – being pushed by the market but pulled by the regulations on water and greenhouse gas emissions – towards high value products that maybe we won’t produce as much but we will get a lot more money for.”
RETURN OF THE SHEEP
It used to be said that New Zealand lived off the sheep’s back. But that was before the development of synthetics.
Wool prices are now so low that until recently, it was hardly worth the cost of the shearer.
His company Shear Edge’s first commercial order with Victory Knives was released recently and sold out within hours.
“Imagine pellets for injection moulding machines, except instead of plastic … the pallets are made of wool. That’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Federated Farmers general manager of policy Nick Clark says the productivity coming out of the sheep sector is testimony to the efficiencies it’s managed to extract.
“If you look back to 1990, that flock number has roughly halved but production is about the same as what it was then,” he says. If it can keep that up, there’s “absolutely a healthy industry there”.
TIGHTER REGULATIONS
In contrast to wool, dairy farming has been the rich cousin.
But there’s a growing feeling that dairy’s heavy pressure on the environment has tipped the industry into “peak cow”.
Climate change is, without doubt, the most significant risk for farming, and it’s putting an urgent focus on what farmers put in the air and water.
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s methane emissions comes from ruminant farm animals and methane makes up nearly half of all the country’s greenhouse gases. Thus, not charging farmers for their carbon has been controversial.
This Hawke’s Bay farm uses regenerative farming, which aims to protect the soil and encourage a diversity environment.
Faced with increasing water and fertiliser restrictions as well, some farmers are turning to regenerative farming, a method which focuses on soil health and diversity.
However, Dr Scott Larned, Niwa’s chief scientist of freshwater and estuaries, says there’s no longer enough time to prove that regenerative farming can adequately protect the environment.
And for that reason, he backs the ambition of the Government’s water reforms.
He hopes farmers will view them positively.
“I’m concerned that the science isn’t moving fast enough and the primary sector isn’t coming up with all the land use [solutions} fast enough, but I’m also optimistic.
“New Zealand is better placed than anywhere in the world to recover from pollution and freshwater degredation.
“If any place can turn it around, New Zealand can.”
The future is expected to bring a lot more “vertical farming” which grows plants in stacked controlled environments, often hydroponically. 26 Seasons co-founder Matt Keltie is part of the emerging local scene.
Prime horticultural land is being lost to housing, lifestyle blocks are multiplying, and dairying’s rapid expansion in the last 12 years has converted much pastoral land.
But as dairy conversions seem set to slow, forestry is emerging as a big competitor for sheep and beef land.
The carbon price will be a clincher as to how the sheep versus forestry battle ends, Clark says.
“If they get it, right it’ll be very helpful and it could actually result in meaningful emissions reductions without having horrific economic impacts. But if they get it wrong, it could be pretty messy.”
Lab-grown chicken made by US start-up Eat Just made its debut last year at a restaurant in Singapore.
THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT
The wildcard for New Zealand’s future farming hand is what the consumer wants to eat.
And increasingly the tide is heading towards less red meat. The New Zealand meat industry’s position that world population growth isn’t slowing and there will be plenty of mouths to feed.
As futuristic as it seems, there are companies already setting up in New Zealand to produce plant-based protein and cellular (lab-grown) meat.
But O’Connell says natural meat is by no means on the way out. “Firstly, there will always be a place for high quality food,” he says.
AgriTechNZ’s Brendan O’Connell expects lab-grown meat will eventually be embraced because it will be cheap.
“Two, I think a lot of the connections people make around livestock or the food New Zealand is famous for, they … think all livestock farming is the same all round the planet.
“Yes, the planet can’t sustain the amount of livestock that we’ve got but actually, the way we farm in New Zealand is sustainable.”
All the same, he expects cellular meat to do well, firstly because it doesn’t require productive land and secondly, because it will be cheap.
“It’ll look very attractive [to people] if they put it together as a spaghetti bolognaise or chilli carne,” he says.
But Darryn Keiller thinks New Zealand ignores exploring meat substitutes at its peril.
“My personal opinion is that that’s a flawed strategy. That might work, say, for the next five years, but if people truly do their homework and look at what’s happening in the shift of dietary behaviour in the major markets, and the ascendency of cellular and plant based proteins … it’s massive.
“If we don’t get on that train, we’re going to be left behind.”
O’Connell is less convinced but says the very good science that New Zealanders develop around food systems could be an export on its own.
“Even if we don’t produce food from New Zealand that’s of that type, we can still produce the science that will help feed the world, even if the science is implemented in other parts of the world.”
Following our own version of Groundhog Day, we’re looking forward to getting out on the road again with our Agritech Connect Tour next month. Meeting and connecting in person is the key to building our community of shared interests. We will be highlighting the progress, tools and services that are emerging from the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). As the first National Strategy for our sector, we’re also keen to reflect on our learnings and how we can continue building the conditions for improvement and growth. Like so many of the organisations and businesses in our sector, testing new approaches is a vital part of how we can refine our business focus.
This month, we’ve seen some great examples of business model innovations amongst our members. Chris Rodley and the team at Snap Information Technologies bucked the trend and acquired an overseas business. It’s great to see this expansive approach to business development and we wish Chris and the team well as they continue their work with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) here and take it into global markets. Read more. We also celebrate the ‘triple helix’ of MPI, Robotics Plus and the University of Waikato as the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund supports the commercialisation of asparagus harvesting technology. Many of us have watched this project with interest because of the global potential in asparagus automation systems. To see technology that can positively impact New Zealand primary industry and create significant technology exports is a perfect example of what we all aspire to in the agritech sector! Congratulations to Steve Penno (MPI), Steve Saunders (Robotics Plus) and Mike Duke (University of Waikato) and their respective teams for the work and collaboration and we wish them well in its implementation. Read more.
New Zealand Agritech Story
Last week, I joined activation workshops with United Kingdom (UK) based, New Zealand agritech companies who are developing their own marketing campaigns alongside the Agritech Story. The combination of an overarching context, shared stories and collaboration will have a ‘greater than the sum of its parts’ impact for these businesses.
Following the launch of the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) and our pandemic response, the time is right to leverage the positive international sentiment towards New Zealand and reactivate the Agritech Story in key offshore markets. In collaboration with Government agencies and agritech businesses, we are piloting offshore agritech campaigns, initially targeting the UK. The learnings from this will then provide a blueprint for activation in other markets.
Next month, we will share the campaign toolkit, with insights, messaging, images and videos to help you share the New Zealand Agritech story in your market.
On 28 October we are hosting an Auckland event in partnership with the AI Forum that highlights the role of technologies in responding to environmental and climate challenges. This event will explore the current state and potential for agritech solutions to help reduce emissions and mitigate the challenges to producers and growers as they respond to the climate crisis. Please register to attend. These discussions support the wider conversations being curated at the Oceania 2035 Summit being hosted in Auckland next year.
We’re also looking forward to participating in continued discussions on Cellular Agriculture in November. Last month in Palmerston North, we began these discussions with our partners at BioTechNZ. Supported by Food HQ, we joined a room full of primary industry interests as we explored the current state and future potential of Cellular Agriculture. Review the presentation hereand join the inaugural Cultured Meat and Seafood Symposiumin Auckland on 2 November.
Trust, Traceability of Digital Trade are key themes for the primary sector and many other industries. If you’re near Hastings on 5 November or want to stretch your domestic travel legs, please register to attend this blockchain event. If you’re a member, please contact usfor a discount code.
Pandemic permitting, we look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months as we travel the country and continue promoting our shared sector interests.
Ngā mihi,
Brendan Chief Executive AgriTech New Zealand
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Earlier this month, we hosted a Connect Event with BioTechNZ, exploring cellular agriculture. If you would like to know more about cell-based meat, please review the presentation slides. The discussion was thoroughly engaging and included the role of New Zealand science and innovation in solving global food issues, as a separate effort from providing food from New Zealand. More information is also available here. Special thanks to Olivia Ogilvie of the University of Canterbury for sharing.
Agritech Skills
Many of you would have participated in the recent NZTech survey on challenges with accessing data and software skills locally and through immigration pathways. The results of this Critical Workers Border Exemption Survey were sent to the Government to raise awareness that the current interpretation of their rules at the border was making it almost impossible to get critical tech staff into New Zealand. We are progressing the Agritech Skills Reference Group and can still accept expressions of interest to be involved, please contact us.
New Zealand Agritech Story
I am pleased to provide an update on sharing the New Zealand Agritech Story with the world.
Following the launch of the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) and our response to COVID-19, the time is right to leverage the positive international sentiment towards New Zealand and reactivate the Agritech Story in key offshore markets.
Together, with the Government agencies and innovative agritech businesses, we are piloting a collaborative and co-ordinated approach to deliver offshore agritech campaigns, initially targeting the United Kingdom (UK).
The learnings from the UK campaign will provide a blueprint for activation in other markets. Coming soon: campaign toolkit, with insights, messaging, images and videos to help you share the New Zealand Agritech story in your market.
Science and Research Updates
New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI) and AgResearch are partnering to design and deliver a new future-focused eResearch Platform. The collaboration will foster expertise across both organisations and brings together a range of tools. For example, computing power, software, storage, and research networks, as well as mutual support networks for delivering user support and establishing critical mass through training and community building. Learn more here.
Consumer interest in animal welfare is steadily increasing and new technologies are providing new opportunities to quantify, improve and convey animal welfare states. In response, AgResearch, DairyNZ and Fonterra have collaborated on the initiative, An animal-centric dairy industry enabled by digital technology as part of the AgResearch led New Zealand Bioeconomy in the Digital Age(NZBIDA) programme. They are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 1 September at 10:30am. If you’re interested in joining please email Jeremy Bryant.
Baseline of Digital Adoption
In other news, we have appointed insights agency Research First as the delivery partner for our survey on Digital Adoption in Primary Industries. Research First brings extensive experience in designing and delivering longitudinal studies within the rural sector and is highly regarded for its skill in using data to inform strategic thinking. Currently, we are designing the survey and would like to hear from those interested in partnering on this work. Please contact us if you would like to know more.
Keep well in your lockdown bubbles and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Ngā mihi,
Brendan Chief Executive AgriTech New Zealand
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The Agritech Connect Tour is proudly brought to you in partnership with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Callaghan Innovation.
The EC, who met in Wellington for a full-day strategy session on 3 August, setting the direction for AgriTechNZ for the coming year, are from left, seated, Brendan O’Connell, AgriTechNZ CEO; Kenneth Irons, Chair, AgriTechNZ, representing SME; and Sophie Rebbeck, Deputy Chair. Standing, Peter Nation, CEO of National Fieldays representing Corporate Other; Juliet Ansell representing Major Corporates; Kylie Horomia, WayBeyond, co-representing Independents, Dr Haydn Read, Te Apanui, representing Iwi; Maria Jose Alvarez, NZ Capital Growth Partners, co-representing Independents; Bridgit Hawkins, representing SME; Graeme Muller, CEO NZ Tech; and Dan O’Brien, AWS, representing Major Corporates. Also on the EC, not photographed, are Andrew Hoggard, National President, Federated Farmers, representing Farmer/Practitioners; and Simon Yarrow, Callaghan Innovation, representing Government.
Speaking of strengthening our capability, at our Annual Meeting we announced the member representative election results for three positions on the Executive Council. We are delighted to confirm that Juliet Ansell from Zespri now joins Dan O’Brien from AWS to represent our Major Corporate members. Bridgit Hawkins from CropX joins Kenneth Irons from Precision Farming to represent SME members and Sophie Rebbeck from Lincoln Agritech was reelected and works with Peter Nation from the New Zealand National Fieldays Society representing Other Corporates. Even though Dion Cawood from LIC and Dan Bloomer from Landwise have stepped back from the Council, we’re already focused on ways to continue benefiting from their experience and wisdom. They have both been foundational in the creation of AgriTechNZ and the sector owes them a great deal.
We had 17 nominations for the three election seats. This is a great measure of the level of interest and engagement that is driving the growth of our sector. For those who were not successful this year, and for anyone wanting to play a more active role, please know we will continue creating opportunities for you to be involved.
Recently, we confirmed the makeup of our Agritech Leaders Data Reference Group with 11 representatives across our membership groups, regions and sector interests. We had over 50 expressions of interest and will keep everyone informed on the group’s strategies and work. If you would like to be kept updated, please drop us a note at info@agritechnz.org.nz.
We have also received expressions of interest for the Agritech Skills Reference Group and will finalise this within the next week. This is an important focus for us all, as access to the right skills and talent may well be the biggest headwind we will face in growing the sector. It’s an issue we share with other groups in New Zealand. We will be collaborating with NZTech, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and other groups to align our activity. Again, if this is of particular interest, please email us to be added to the stakeholder updates.
We’re also in the final stages of a significant website update which will see the addition of a rich source of resources. We’re working with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Callaghan Innovation to share information across a range of topics. For example, one of the opportunities to be showcased is Bayer’s global Grants4Ag program. The annual program awards researchers and scientists for sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges. If you would like to know more, please join the webinar on 26 July.
In other news, as a country partner for Farm 2050, we invite you to apply before 30 July for a New Zealand trial assessment. Farm 2050 is an initiative to validate new technologies in nutrient management whilst building valuable links and opportunities for counter seasonal trials in the Northern Hemisphere.
Earlier this month, AgriTechNZ attended the Primary Industries Summit hosted by Federated Farmers. It was an impressive gathering of leaders and influencers. The Summit recognised the role innovation is playing in our primary industries. Congratulations to all the Awards winners, especially our members like Emma Boase from Horticulture New Zealand.
In the next few weeks we partner with the IoT Alliance and BioTechNZ to host several events. Join us on 27 July in Christchurch to discuss connectivity and connected on-farm devices. We will explore the current state and future potential for connected agritech solutions. On 4 August, we’ll be in Palmerston North discussing the pressing need for developments in cellular agriculture and gene editing to secure access to food for future generations.
There is plenty happening in the sector and it’s deservedly gaining attention to foster growth and impact. Please stay in touch so we can help you make the most of the opportunities.
Ngā mihi
Brendan Chief Executive AgriTech New Zealand
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This year Agritecture Consulting will partner with AgTech leader WayBeyond who has taken over responsibility of the Census from automation business Autogrow.
“Our WayBeyond ethos for sustainable crop production technology fits perfectly with this year’s Census. Understanding the impact of CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) on the planet allows us to continue highlighting the growers doing remarkable work to reduce their environmental impact while producing quality crops,” says WayBeyond CEO & Founder Darryn Keiller.
“There’s clear evidence showing consumers, particularly Gen-Z, are making decisions based on the sustainability factor of not only the food they eat but also the packaging, distribution and producers themselves. This Census will give a clear view of the role CEA can play in creating a more sustainable planet.”
This is the third year the Census has run with increasing participation each year from greenhouse, indoor vertical, and tunnel house growers. Past Census reports have brought forward key information on the state of the industry, tactics being used, and the people behind its many operations. One example in the 2020 report showed there was plenty of optimism despite the pandemic, with 95% of respondents having an “excellent” or “good” outlook for the 12 months ahead, and only 5% indicating that the business’ future was uncertain.
“We work hard to encourage as many growers to participate as possible and, with a focus on sustainability, we hope to gain an even better uptake this year, especially from large-scale operations,” explains Agritecture Consulting Founder and CEO Henry Gordon-Smith.
“This is the most comprehensive global survey of CEA operations running, and the published findings will provide valuable insights that may affect policy, financing options, operational practices, and new technology. That is a benefit for all of us in the industry.”
WayBeyond creates technology for a better world. Its vision is to transform the agricultural industry so it can produce food sustainably for everyone on the planet. WayBeyond’s expertise in data, artificial intelligence, and plant science is embodied in its future-focused farming solutions. FarmRoad – a farm management platform with powerful yield prediction and crop registration tools, and Folium – a climate monitoring system which harnesses readings from a network of wireless sensors to deliver detailed data across large growing areas. Advocates of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, WayBeyond also supports the next generation of growers through community education programs.
Agritecture provides a comprehensive approach to CEA project development. In operation since 2014, Agritecture has helped more than 100 organizations determine the feasibility of their ideas, validate their business strategies, recruit talent for their projects, and manage operational challenges. Our job is to jumpstart your knowledge of CEA, help you navigate barriers to entry, make industry connections, and mitigate risk. Our consulting services are backed by several years of operations data and a team of experienced growers, engineers, and sustainability managers.
Following an RFP, we have appointed insights agency, Research First as the delivery partner for the survey. Research First brings extensive experience in designing and delivering longitudinal studies within the rural sector and is highly regarded for its skill in using data to inform strategic thinking.
The project aims will provide visibility into the maturity of the practices within different primary industry sectors, the value that precision practices provide along with the drivers of adoption of digital tools and how these change over time.
We are in the process of designing the survey with input from our industry partners.
Industry partners will have access to detailed responses from the survey, providing valuable insights digital adoption as it relates to their sector. This will greatly assist them in defining their digital and outreach strategies.
LTW is Europe’s largest technology festival. The annual event brings together the world’s most inspirational founders, global leaders, senior investors and rising talent. In 2020 the festival was held as a virtual event for the first time, attracting over 20,000 attendees from across the globe. The festival hosted over 700 sessions across 11 days, featuring upwards of 750 leading speakers and innovators.
Australian and Kiwi scale-ups who are considering expansion to the UK can apply to one of the following streams:
impact technology (companies making a positive social or environmental impact)
The successful applicants will be invited to join a pre-mission in-person networking event in early September. They will then participate in a series of virtual evening sessions from 20 to 29 September 2021.
Those selected will join a programme curated for ANZ scale-ups. This will include sessions from key players in the UK tech ecosystem, who will provide exclusive insights on market opportunities and guidance on capital raising, R&D and support to set up.
British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia and New Zealand), Louise Cantillon said:
The UK tech sector has reached new heights and is the first country in Europe to reach 100 unicorns [tech companies valued at US$1 billion]. This means the UK now has the largest number of tech unicorns in Europe. With a fantastic track record for supporting tech companies and innovation, the UK is the ideal location for Australian and Kiwi tech companies who are ready to expand internationally.
The UK’s Department for International Trade team is delighted to be running this mission again. Despite physical restrictions, this is a great platform for the tech community to come together and for Australian and NZ companies to explore the opportunities the UK market has on offer. Good luck to everyone applying.
DIT’s delegation last year was the largest ever from Australia and New Zealand. 130 tech founders and industry representatives joined the mission.
LTW is part of a broader programme of initiatives to increase digital trade and investment opportunities between the UK and ANZ tech sectors. Earlier this year the UK launched the Digital Trade Network (DTN) for Asia Pacific. The network will support UK-ANZ tech collaboration and support UK tech scale-ups in the region.
The LTW application process is open to Australian and New Zealand companies only. Victorian companies need to apply via the Global Victoria application.
Applications to join the mission will close on Friday 30 July 2021.
there are currently 100 UK tech companies valued at US$1 billion or more
the UK joins China and the US as the only nations to have triple-digit unicorn
in 2021, 13 UK unicorns have already been created, compared to 7 in the whole of 2020, and has increased by 127% since 2017
the UK has more tech unicorns than Germany (42), France (22) and the Netherlands (18) combined, and is the first country in Europe to reach 100 unicorns
the UK’s 100 tech unicorns have raised almost €28.9 billion (US$32 billion) in VC investment, as venture capital reached record highs in the first half of this year
About the UK’s Department for International Trade:
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT):
This week we’ll see the launch of the Technology Investment Network’s (TIN) second Agritech Report. This report serves as an excellent baseline of where our agritech sector currently sits. We know from looking at the global opportunities, levels of investment and performance of similar economies that the potential for agritech from New Zealand to be 5-10 times larger is a viable ambition. We’ll be hosting a review of this report and what it means for the sector on Fieldays TV this week, Thursday 17th 2.10pm.
Some of the early activity in the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) is paving the way for this growth. We took note of the improved access to capital since the announcement of the Finestere Aotearoa Fund (an ITP High Impact Project) at a recent event in Tauranga where we brought together Investors and Innovators to discuss what ‘investability’ looks like for agritech, and asked agritech business leaders to share their capital journey stories and insights. A recording of this lively session will soon be available online at https://agritechnz.org.nz/resources and the conversation will continue at a session we’re hosting at the National Fieldays in Mystery Creek on Thursday morning (yes, that’s tomorrow!) Capital games: raising capital for agritech business.
Another ITP project is being presented by Callaghan Innovation at Fieldays. Their session on Maximising Government support for agritech (also tomorrow) will show how agritech businesses can better tap into government support (across all agencies) to launch their innovations. This flow of funding support from the public sector to private investment is an improved environment for growing agritech businesses. It’s a great start to the ITP.
There’s a lot of work still to do though, not least in one of the biggest headwinds to these growth ambitions: access to talent. We know this is a significant concern to many of our members and to the wider tech community. We are currently forming an Agritech Skills Reference Group to collaborate with other initiatives focused on skills and workforce gaps. Our intent is to lean into the shared responses and highlight the unique challenges for agritech businesses (like finding talent that translates data science with biological systems). We’ll have more activity in this space over the coming months, and right now we’re working with our partners in NZTech to understand the realities of critical worker border exemptions. If this is an option you have tried for bringing talent to New Zealand, please share your experiences in the NZTech Critical Worker Border Exemption Survey.
We’ve also made progress by enabling stronger agritech representation in discussions relating to data use and digital foundations in the primary sector. The Agritech Leaders Data Reference Group will be formalised imminently. This group will expand upon existing work such as discussions relating to data standards and the data that enables Farm Environmental Plans; as well as defining other areas where collaborative effort can strengthen digital foundations for agriculture.
The international teams at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) are busy uncovering opportunities for agritech businesses. The team in Japan have established an online business matching platform to provide a convenient gathering ground for Japanese businesses and New Zealand agritech companies to interact and discover where they can best support each other’s needs. You can sign up here and we’ll run some joint webinars in August. The Middle East team are preparing for some specific agritech focus at Expo 2020 Dubai, you can learn more here.
We’re delighted to announce that Kenneth Irons, our Chair, signed an agreement with AgTech Ireland to identify collaborative opportunities that will mutually benefit the members of both organisations. Launched in 2021, AgTech Ireland is a membership funded organisation which will act as a single point of contact for government, media, foreign trade missions and research for its industry. Our organisations share the same goals of promoting and advocating for the opportunities and challenges in agricultural innovation around the world. We look forward to introducing member companies to each other as they explore opportunities in each market, as well as working on matters of common interest in the development of global agritech opportunities.
With all this activity we need some extra hands on deck! Luckily there has been an awesome response to our requests … both for Industry Reference Groups and Executive Council positions. We were delighted to appoint Kylie Horomia and MJ Alavarez to our Executive Council recently AgriTech New Zealand appoints two new Executive Council members and look forward to the upcoming elections for the three elected seats this year. We’ve had 17 nominations across these seats, so we can expect some real campaigning and discussion on what representation looks like. There’s never been a better time to be a member … make sure your membership is up to date to vote, and if you’re not currently a member join up now to get your vote in before June 29, for your chosen representative in each category.
We look forward to seeing many of you at events over the next week at Mystery Creek.
Ngā mihi Brendan Chief Executive AgriTech New Zealand
AgriTech New Zealand (AgriTechNZ) and AgTech Ireland are both member organisations promoting the integration of technology with agriculture to strengthen food systems around the world. Each organisation is founded in an economy based on the production of high-quality food and the development of innovative technologies. The organisations share the same goals of promoting and advocating for the opportunities and challenges in agricultural innovation around the world.
Launched in 2018, AgriTech New Zealand is a purpose driven, membership funded organisation whose members share a passion for the opportunities that agritech can generate.
AgriTech New Zealand connects innovators, investors, regulators, researchers and interested public. It promotes opportunities and challenges raised by agritech. AgriTech New Zealand advances the ecosystem through advocacy, collaboration, innovation, talent and economic growth through international connections and missions. It is governed by an Executive Council.
About AgTech Ireland
AgTech Ireland represents agtech companies across policy, research and farm level. Its aim is to showcase the benefits of technology adoption on farm and communicate how agtech has a key role in sustainability to all stakeholders moving forward.
Launched in 2021, AgTech Ireland is a membership funded organisation which will act as a single point of contact for government, media, foreign trade missions and research for its industry.
“As a member funded organisation, we are conscious of having an Executive that brings a wide range of skills, experience, and background to our collective ambition of transforming agriculture globally,” explains Council Chair Kenneth Irons.
“We have taken this opportunity to expand our capabilities. For maximum impact, we chose to appoint two great candidates to one shared voting seat. Each brings solid expertise in complementary areas.”
“Kylie’s communications expertise as well as knowledge of horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector are assets we are excited to add to the Council, while Maria Jose’s experience in biotech and agritech investment sets us up well to drive our agenda forward.”
Kylie Horomia is the Head of Industry Transformation for global agritech firm WayBeyond. Her role is focused on championing sustainability and advocating for diversity and further educational experiences highlighting the possibilities that agritech has to offer.
“I’m excited to be part of an organisation focused on revolution. Agritech is incredibly fast-paced and keeping our members ahead of the game on the global stage is incredibly important. We also look for those champions who can be held up as the gold standard to encourage more young people to become involved,” says Kylie.
Maria Jose Alvarez is an Investment Manager at NZ Growth Capital Partners and founder of a biotech startup applied in the agritech sector. Her mission is to support the commercialisation and investment of Kiwi deep-tech companies with high growth potential.
“AgriTechNZ has done fantastic work connecting the ecosystem. When we think about ways to feed the planet, as well as preserving it and making it sustainable for future generations, we are talking largely about deep technologies ingrained in agriculture. I’m pleased I can play a role in an organisation that advocates for that, ” says Maria Jose.
AgriTechNZ is focused both on the application of new technologies in New Zealand as well as the export of solutions to global food producing markets.
“These two new appointments recognise New Zealand’s role in a widening range of food systems and the need to connect with global markets and capital,” says Kenneth.
Both appointments are for one year and effective from 8 June, 2021.
Agritech is providing alternatives to traditional farming methods and revolutionising the sector. New innovations can increase productivity gains to maximise profitability for the primary sector, for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Launched in 2018, AgriTech New Zealand is a purpose driven, membership funded organisation whose members share a passion for the opportunities that agritech can generate.
AgriTech New Zealand connects innovators, investors, regulators, researchers and interested public. It promotes opportunities and challenges raised by agritech. AgriTech New Zealand advances the ecosystem through advocacy, collaboration, innovation, talent and economic growth through international connections and missions. It is governed by an Executive Council.
The recent launch of the $42 million Finistere Aotearoa Fund has dramatically changed the local investment landscape. The venture capital fund targets agritech companies requiring Series A and B investment, but what does investability look like? Join us on 9 June when we host investees and investors, to share their experiences. We will be asking agritech business leaders to share their journeys and insights as we discuss the most desirable qualities of investing.
We’ve also reached a milestone with our work on creating a Baseline of Digital Adoption in Primary Industries. Initial funding has now been secured and selection of our research provider is underway. This research will be an independent, pan-sector review of current practice and technology adoption drivers in New Zealand primary production. We’re grateful for the support of our early partners: Zespri International, The Foundation for Arable Research, The Fertiliser Association, DairyNZ and MPI. This valuable research will inform the sector in the coming years and further position Aotearoa as a leader in farming practice.
If you enjoy audio insights, be sure to check out these podcasts; Sarah Nolet from AgThentic in Australia recently hosted a show on AgTech so what… exploring changes in New Zealand Dairy. Mark Ferguson from NextGen Agri also hosts regular sessions with industry leaders and commentators on the Head Shepherd Podcast.
It’s also worth noting we have our Annual Meeting and Executive Council elections (three positions available for election) coming up in June… so please make sure your membership is current and consider getting directly involved in driving our shared initiatives.
