Archive for the ‘Media Release’ is_category>
New Zealand and UK forge agritech connections to drive innovation
Friday, November 22nd, 2024
A new agreement signifies a major step in strengthening New Zealand’s agritech sector by fostering a shared commitment to innovation with the United Kingdom (UK).
AgriTechNZ and the UK Agri-Tech Centre (UKATC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen ties and promote knowledge, expertise, and innovation exchange between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our mission to foster global partnerships and innovation across the agritech sector. By creating bidirectional pathways between New Zealand and the UK, we are amplifying opportunities for collaboration and shared solutions to advance agricultural knowledge and innovation,” says Bridgit Hawkins, Chair of AgriTechNZ.
“We greatly welcome the proposed collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding with AgriTechNZ. Working together not only highlights the importance of partnership working in this area, but demonstrates the potential positive impact we can have on the agri-tech industry. I look forward to seeing fruitful opportunities develop to the benefit of both countries.” says Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre.
As a new platform for collaboration, the MoU outlines initiatives that focus on:
· Knowledge exchange: Sharing expertise and insights to support innovation.
· Market support: Helping companies navigate new markets through tailored incubation and resources.
· Joint events and activities: Hosting webinars, workshops, and trade missions to strengthen industry connections.
· Collaborative research: Fostering links to tackle mutual priorities.
· Farm-Trial network linkages: Connecting farm trial networks in both countries, enabling innovators to test solutions in the opposite hemisphere.
· Funding opportunities: Exploring joint bids for Horizon Europe (the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme. New Zealand and the UK are associated countries, enabling full participation).
UKATC will support New Zealand companies entering the UK market, while AgriTechNZ will support UK companies in New Zealand, ensuring both benefit from shared expertise. By leveraging their collective expertise, AgriTechNZ and UKATC aim to empower businesses, enhance productivity, and drive forward sustainable agricultural practices.
“This agreement is going to help farmers and innovators on both sides of the world. It is always great to see New Zealand and British organisations working together for the greater good. Fostering innovation and sustainability benefits farmers, trade, and ecosystems,” says Iona Thomas, OBE, British High Commissioner to New Zealand.
“Technology and collaboration are key to furthering innovative primary production and doubling export value. It is great to see the growing partnership between UK and NZ agritech organisations providing robust outcomes for farmers, trade and ecosystems on both sides of the globe,” says New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay.
For further information, please contact:
Brendan O’Connell, CEO AgriTechNZ
Brendan.oconnell@agritechnz.org.nz
+64 21 369740
About AgriTechNZ
AgriTech New Zealand is an association of organisations that have come together to promote and advance the agritech sector through collaboration and collective actions.
About UK Agri-Tech Centre (UKATC)
UKATC represents a coalition of innovation hubs dedicated to advancing the UK’s agricultural technology landscape through cutting-edge research, partnerships, and global cooperation.
PHOTO: Bridgit Hawkins, Chair of AgriTechNZ, with Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre
Robotics Plus unveils autonomous modular vehicle to alleviate agriculture labour shortages
Thursday, October 27th, 2022Multi-use, modular platform Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) automates tree and vine crop tasks, starting with intelligent spraying
FRESNO, Calif., and TAURANGA, NZ – Robotics Plus, a New Zealand-based agritech company, today launched its autonomous multi-use, modular vehicle platform for agriculture designed to carry out a variety of orchard and vineyard machine tasks – to alleviate ongoing labor shortages and transform the industry.
The multi-purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) can be supervised in a fleet of vehicles by a single human operator. The vehicle uses a combination of vision systems and other technologies to sense the environment – to optimize tasks and allow intelligent and targeted application of inputs such as sprays. Growers will be able to rotate multiple tools on the highly adaptable and configurable agriculture platform, depending on the day’s work – for jobs such as spraying, weed control, mulching, mowing and crop analysis.
Robotics Plus, a specialist in the design and build of robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous machines, unveiled its demonstration vehicle at FIRA USA 2022, a California-based event dedicated to autonomous agriculture and agricultural robotics solutions for the North American market.
Steve Saunders, Co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus, says its world-class team worked alongside growers, researchers and best-in-class technology suppliers to deliver the unique modular architecture for its multi-purpose UGV, which can operate in a range of environments.
Caption (L): Steve Saunders Co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus
Caption (R): Dr Alistair Scarfe, Co-founder and CTO of Robotics Plus
“We’ve created a flexible agricultural platform with the power to adapt to different crop types with tools for various applications, providing year-round automation benefits and maximizing machine utilization.
“To adapt and thrive in a changing world and create a sustainable and competitive future in the agricultural and speciality tree crop sector – growers and orchardists need automation that solves real-world problems, reduces reliance on increasingly costly and hard-to-find machine operators and provides data-driven insights for informed decision-making.”
Saunders says that for automation to be adopted, it must also provide a good return on investment.
“Our multi-purpose vehicle replaces tractors and other tools. But, it does much more than just replacing labor – it’s loaded with intelligence to improve efficiencies,” he says.
The first application for the technology is intelligent spraying. The system intelligently varies the flow rate to ensure spray efficacy whilst reducing inputs. Spray rates and airspeed is controlled in zones and responds as the sprayer moves along orchard or vineyard rows.
The highly manoeuvrable UGV has a small footprint and unique steering configuration, incorporating electric steering and independent motors, which increases productivity – allowing significantly more ground to be covered than machines which turn on every second row or greater, depending on row configuration. The UGV can be deployed in a range of applications in various crop types with a minimum row spacing of 1.8M/6ft.
Dr Alistair Scarfe, Co-founder and CTO of Robotics Plus, says its hybrid electric diesel UGV delivers outstanding performance in the field.
“Electric drive motors give superior torque and control, whilst a Tier 4 diesel generator means the vehicle can operate for extended periods. Fuel consumption is minimized by electrically driving all systems, including tools. Regenerative braking and high-capacity batteries also extend efficiency and range.
“In addition, the vehicle’s lightweight design and intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with independent wheel motors to ensure grip and control – while significantly reducing ground compaction to protect the soil,” he says.
The vehicle has been designed from the ground up to be modular and easy to service. With no hydraulic, gearbox or differential fluids to be managed, operators can easily keep their vehicles running if a part fails by simply swapping out modules when needed. All of this is designed to reduce downtime and complexity for growers.
Robotics Plus has partnered with best-in-class technology suppliers, including Yamaha Motor Company, Autonomous Solutions Inc., and Croplands, to significantly increase the robustness and support for the product in a demanding environment such as agriculture.
Caption: Robotics Plus’ multi-use, modular platform Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)
automates tree and vine crop tasks for orchards and vineyards
Saunders says by taking a partnership approach, Robotics Plus has created a best-in-class platform for the agriculture industry.
“We’ve benefited from our partner’s deep knowledge and access to high-quality technology components. In addition, growers can deploy Quantum sprayers with configurations adaptable to various crop types, growing formats, and heights.”
Robotics Plus has developed multiple autonomous systems for use in agriculture and automation for intelligent fruit-packing to address significant industry issues, including global labor shortages, rising costs, and yield security. In addition, its robotic automatic log scaling machines are transforming port logistics with improved safety and productivity.
Robotics Plus’ fast-growing team developed the modular platform UGV at its Tauranga base, with extensive testing in New Zealand and the US in various environments and applications. Robotics Plus investors include Yamaha Motor Company and New Zealand’s ACC Impact Fund.
Robotics Plus’ new autonomous modular vehicle is available for pre-order.
For more information, see https://www.roboticsplus.co.nz/
Digital agriculture a significant opportunity to NZ’s primary industries
Monday, September 5th, 2022Digital agriculture is creating a significant opportunity to enhance New Zealand’s primary industries, including economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
The latest AgritechNZ report just released today creates a baseline of digital adoption across the primary sector to better understand the motivations, pressures and barriers faced by farmers and growers in adopting new tools, AgritechNZ chief executive Brendan O’Connell says.
The research was designed to provide actionable insight for agritech businesses, industry groups and public agencies who seek to unleash the potential of digital agriculture and develop strategies to support farmers and growers.
“There is a deep richness in the findings and attitudes to digital adoption. A total of 59 percent of the surveyed population lean towards the adoption of digital technologies,” O’Connell says.
“But this is for very different reasons and with different pathways to participation depending on the mix of motivations, pressures, and barriers.
“A total of 41 percent of respondents sided with not seeing much value in using digital technology to run their business.
“This is a high proportion, though not unexpected considering knowledge levels are low, and the value of data sharing is still to be unlocked.
“While there is a healthy population of trailblazers across all sub-sectors and age groups, on the whole, the willingness to adopt early is lower than outside the primary sector.
“Proudly traditionalist farmers and growers are reluctant to change what has worked for their land for many years.
“They may accept technology in the office or will tap into the expertise of contractors for specific jobs, the key though is that someone else is doing it.
“With regards to data sharing, 64 percent of farmers and growers have confidence in the custodians of their data and 77 percent are happy to share data where the data provides direct benefits to them.
“This is a seemingly positive result but is balanced by data that shows only half of farmers and growers are data sharing.”
The biggest barriers to data sharing revealed by the survey included that farmers and growers did not believe their data would have value to anyone else.
There is a low recognition of the value in the data held on farm and a difficulty in unlocking the value of shared data. There is also a lack of clarity around who would want the information and why.
This is what can lead to confusion, mistrust and fear. Confidence comes from knowing who is using it and for what,” O’Connell says.
“Adoption on use of digital technology is highest in farm business management, such as accounts, payroll and health and safety solutions.
“This may be the entry point for digital technology on farms, with many tools having been around for a long time.
“Across the primary sector, the lower adoption areas are water, irrigation management, plant and crop management and effluent management.
“However, those with a higher need for precision in these areas are showing higher adoption rates. Operational areas with lower current adoption levels are also the areas with lower intended investment levels over the next two years.
“Tracking data over future survey points will provide valuable insights into how technology spend plans change with land use changes, policy changes and as the agritech market develops.”
The report was created as part of a study by AgriTechNZ and insights partner Research First, supported by Zespri, DairyNZ, FAR, the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.
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
Photo: Brendan O’Connell
NEW ZEALAND’S AGRITECH SECTOR VITAL TO COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC GROWTH
Friday, July 1st, 2022TIN’s third annual Agritech Insights Report offers significant analysis of New Zealand’s agricultural technology export sector.
AUCKLAND, 1 July 2022 – Technology Investment Network (TIN) has released its third annual New Zealand Agritech Insights Report, providing compelling analysis of the size and scope of the country’s leading Agritech export companies, along with a pipeline of promising Agritech companies.
Launched at an event at Waikato Innovation Park last night, the report provides a closer look into New Zealand’s agricultural technology sector based on data from TIN’s 2021 survey results, including size and significance, key export markets, investment opportunities, and a comprehensive directory of nearly 110 Pipeline Agritech companies — those from pre-revenue up to $3.5m revenue.
Agritech continues to be one of the biggest and most innovative sectors in the TIN200, New
Zealand’s 200 largest technology ‘exporters’. According to the 2021 TIN Report, it is a $1.6B industry, providing 11.4% of the TIN200 total revenue.
“The report celebrates the hard-won success and growth of the dynamic Agritech sector that plays to all the strengths of our historical reliance on farmers, horticulturalists, acquaculturalists and apiarists,” said Greg Shanahan, managing director of TIN.
“The Government’s multi-agency Agritech Industry Transformation Plan is focusing on growing the sector into a stronger economic contributor and increasing exports from the most innovative and forward-thinking Agritech companies,” Mr Shanahan added.
The industry is dominated by the Animal and Crop Health, Data Solutions and Post-Harvest sub-sectors, building on the international success of established New Zealand Agritech companies such as Gallagher Group, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) and TOMRA Fresh Foods. Together, these three Waikato-based companies were responsible for just over 50% of the TIN200 Agritech revenue in 2021.
“This year’s TIN Agritech Insights Report is another marker in the growth of the sector, and importantly, the growing levels of collaboration that will enable still higher growth rates in coming years,” said Brendan O’Connell, Chief Executive of AgriTech New Zealand, the membership-funded organisation that promotes opportunities and challenges raised by Agritech.
Key statistics on the Agritech sector (taken from the TIN NZ Agritech Insights Report 2022, and based on 2021 TIN Report data)
- 11.0% of TIN200 companies are Agritech firms, and together they generated $1.6B in revenue in 2021; 11.4% of the total TIN200 revenue
- TIN200 Agritech companies generated $118m revenue growth; 8.2% of TIN200 growth
- Total Agritech exports: $814.9.m (51.1% of total revenue)
- Export growth: $49.0m (up 6.4% on 2020)
- North America is the largest export market for Agritech (19.6% of total export revenue)
- Average sector wage: $94,956 (TIN200 average wage: $88,005)
- Average revenue per employee: $296,197 (TIN200 average: $243,570)
- Investment in Sales and Marketing: $261.7m (up 7.1% on 2020)
- Investment in Wages and Salary: $511.7m (up 8.6% on 2020)
- Investment in R&D: $115.6.m (up 6.5% on 2020)
- Average company age: 25 years (TIN200 average: 28 years)
- 5-year CAGR: 14.6% (TIN200 5-year CAGR: 10.9%)
- More than 5,000 people employed globally with 72.5% of those in New Zealand (3,910 people)
- Auckland/Northland and Central North Island are the regions with the highest number of Agritech companies (29 each); followed by Hamilton/Waikato (24) and Canterbury/Upper South Island (21)
Key Agritech sector insights (taken from the TIN NZ Agritech Insights Report 2022, and based on 2021 TIN Report data)
- High-tech Manufacturing continues to dominate the sector
New Zealand’s Agritech sector is primarily dominated by High-tech Manufacturing companies, which make up 13 of the 22 Agritech firms in the TIN200. High-tech Manufacturing firms, such as Gallagher Group, TOMRA Fresh Food and NDA Group, account for more than 70% of the sector’s revenue.
- Opportunities for investment as global economy recovers
Investment in the Agritech sector followed the trend of investment levels across all sectors – a sharp spike in investment in 2021 as the global economy started to recover from the impact of COVID-19 in 2020. Agritech companies in this report (TIN200 and pipeline) received more than $15m of investment across 11 deals, which includes both seed and follow-on funding
- Labour shortages creates opportunities and innovation
Domestic labour shortages and border restrictions have forced Agritech companies to look at automation and data integration to improve productivity and drive growth. This has created opportunities for a range of technologies, such as cow wearables, crop health and harvesting. The disruption to regular supply chains has also led to Agritech companies re-evaluating and streamlining their approach to search for more cost-effective alternatives.
The New Zealand Agritech Insights Report was commissioned by the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP), a partnership involving the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Callaghan Innovation and AgriTech NZ; with additional support from ASX, Hamilton City Council and NZ Growth Capital Partners.
About Technology Investment Network
Technology Investment Network (TIN) is a private company established in 1999 to facilitate the growth of the technology export sector in New Zealand. The company’s goal is to contribute to the New Zealand economy by supporting the growth of, large, sustainable, New Zealand based, global technology businesses.
THE NEW ZEALAND AGRITECH INSIGHTS REPORT IS SPONSORED BY:
THE TIN REPORT IS SPONSORED BY:
Explore our programme, meet the speakers and register now to attend the 2022 Digital Trust Aotearoa Hui Taumata.