The UK’s agritech sector has received a significant boost with New Zealand’s AgriZero NZ joining Innovate UK’s investor partnership programme.
This public-private fund, backed by the New Zealand government and leading agri-businesses, aims to scale cutting-edge British agritech start-ups by linking them with global investors.
Science Minister Patrick Vallance welcomed the partnership, stating: “New Zealand’s agricultural sector is world-renowned, and their embrace of innovations in areas like food safety and sustainable farming are a big part of their success.”
He added: “They are natural partners to the UK, when it comes to unlocking the potential environmental, health and animal welfare gains that the brightest minds in agritech are looking to deliver.”
AgriZero NZ has already invested £2 million into Powys-based Agroceutical Products to reduce methane emissions, while also providing extra revenue to hill country farmers.
This investment aligns with the UK’s “plan for change,” aiming to fuel rural innovation and net-zero agriculture.
Industry experts are increasingly focusing on AI, developing various software and autonomous vehicles to integrate directly into farm operations.
Joris Hidemma, Chief Executive of AgXeed, commented: “Autonomy is the next logical step in the development of modern professional agriculture, and it becomes more and more crucial each week and month.”
However, challenges remain in adopting such technologies, especially for smaller farms where the upfront investment can be hard to justify.
Infrastructure issues, such as unreliable connectivity in rural areas, and the need for training and trust in new systems, also pose hurdles.
The announcement coincided with a meeting in London between Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Christopher Luxon to deepen bilateral partnerships across defence, trade, and technology.
Total UK-New Zealand trade reached £3.6 billion last year, and both governments are leveraging new agreements, including free trade, to drive further growth.
This investment not only supports high-growth UK firms but also signals growing international interest in Britain’s agritech capabilities as the sector works to tackle emissions, food security, and supply chain resilience.
