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.
Bridgit Hawkins, Chair of AgriTechNZ, with Phil Bicknell, Chief Executive at the UK Agri-Tech Centre