1. The UK’s agri-tech sector strategy
Jayne Brookman & Callum Harvey
AgriFood Team KTN
Hello, I’m Callum Harvey from the Knowledge Transfer Network or KTN.
The Knowledge Transfer Network is the UK’s innovation network.

2. UK AgriTech Strategy launched in July 2013
Technological Innovation, Commercialization and Big Data
Build Skills and Leadership
Improve Funding and Investment Performance
Align industry research funding with public sector spend
Increase UK export and inward investment performance
Increase support to develop, adopt and exploit new technologies and processes
Help UK exploit the potential of big data and informatics and become a global centre of excellence
Improve the translation of research into practice
Provide stronger leadership for the sector
Build a stronger skills base to attract and retain a workforce that is expert in developing and applying technologies from the laboratory to the farm

3. R & D and intelligent networking
Sustainable AgriFood Innovation Platform (£90m; )
Targets specific areas of need e.g. crop protection
AgriTech Catalyst (£70m fund plus industry investment of >£20m) 120 projects funded to bring ideas to market
Over 200 businesses and research organisations, £22m projects with SMEs
Food Innovation Network – established with an SME focus

4. Food Innovation Network

5. KTN Agri-food UK Landscape Map

6. Bridging Translational Gap
£80 million Centres established to create capacity in the UK to translate agricultural innovation into commercial opportunities, stimulate inward investment and improve farming practice.
Will leverage up to £12m funding from industry over several years, to build a more intelligent, productive, and sustainable food system

7. Agri-Innovation Centres
Agrimetrics - agricultural informatics and metrics of sustainability
The Centre for Applied Crop Science
The Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) –
Agricultural Engineering and Precision Innovation Centre (Agri EPI)
Agri-Innovation Centres
Agrimetrics - agricultural informatics and metrics of sustainability
The Centre for Applied Crop Science
The Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL)
Agricultural Engineering and Precision Innovation Centre (Agri EPI)
Agrimetrics - This centre is focused on agricultural informatics and metrics of sustainability. Agrimetrics uses data science and modelling to build a more productive, sustainable and efficient food system. It underpins growth in UK businesses who offer modern agri-focused products and services in both the UK and global markets.
The Centre for Applied Crop Science - This centre will address the major crop production challenges facing the industry, and will revolutionise how farmers manage crop production, both in the UK and overseas, by focussing on applied and translational research.
The Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) - This centre will create new livestock technology and products to boost the profitability and productivity of livestock farming.
Agricultural Engineering and Precision Innovation Centre (Agri EPI) - This centre operates in the new, fast-moving market of precision agriculture to help the UK’s agri-food sector develop advanced technologies that will increase productivity and sustainability in UK agriculture.
"Agrimetrics." Accessed 23 Dec
“The Centre for Applied Crop Science” Accessed 23 Dec
"Centre of Innovation Excellence in Livestock: CIEL." Accessed 23 Dec
"Agri-EPI Centre." Accessed 23 Dec

8. Skills £3.6m employer-led skills programme in place
Plans under development for a professional framework and to more effectively join up wider agricultural skills agendas
Formed the AgriFoodTech Leadership Council that has provided a strong and coherent voice for the sector across Government

9. UK Support for Applied Research BBSRC Crop Research Club Academia and Industry working together

10. Case Studies KTN provides industry support for innovation
Helping companies get funding for projects
Linking them with partners

11. Specialist Networks Regional, membership-based support network
Information for members and commercial conferences

12. m: callum.harvey@ktn-uk.org t: 07875 225715
Thank you m: t: