UK-Australia collaboration set to drive global agritech innovation

Collaboration is a key ingredient in creating a more sustainable global food system. One of the UK’s four Agri-Tech centres, Crop Health & Protection (CHAP), is leading the way by connecting with AgriFutures Australia, set to enhance farming productivity through agritech innovation.

Tech Research Future

Agriculture innovation UK Australia

2 min read

by Dr Jenna Ross

International Business Development Manager, CHAP

Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom

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Posted on 25 Jun 2021

Australian rural industries have the opportunity to access world-class UK agritech innovation and capabilities from a new perspective, thanks to AgriFutures Australia’s connection with Crop Health and Protection (CHAP).

CHAP is one of the UK’s four Agri-Tech centres funded by Innovate UK. The centres each act as an independent collaboration between government, academia and industry to drive greater efficiency, resilience and wealth across the agrifood sector.

Increasing crop productivity for future generations through the uptake of new technologies while addressing the ever-pertinent issues, such as climate change – is CHAP’s primary goal.

By building networks of scientists, farmers, advisors, innovators and industry to prioritise needs, CHAP collaborates to develop innovative agritech solutions and translate them into the field to ensure market adoption.

Now, through connecting with AgriFutures Australia, the work of CHAP can open up to Australia.

CHAP’s International Business Development Manager, Dr Jenna Ross said: “Recognising the many benefits of collaborating on a global scale, we are delighted to be collaborating with AgriFutures to open up conversations with Australian rural industries.

“CHAP is a gateway to UK agritech, providing either R&D from a different perspective, or, acting as a route to the UK agricultural market. There are many synergies waiting to be tapped into that could benefit both countries.”

CHAP’s network includes 12 world-class delivery partners and 15 open access, state-of-the-art capabilities and facilities across the UK. These include the Fungal Biopesticide Development Lab, Vertical Farming Development Centre, Advanced Glasshouse Facility and Plant Phenotyping and Soil Health Facility.

vertical farming

Future-facing technologies created through global collaboration

From an autonomous slug monitoring and bio-molluscicide treatment system to a wide range of game-changing projects are taking place thanks to collaborations with CHAP.

Jenna added: “We have an international membership scheme to grow CHAP’s global network and create an ecosystem to accelerate the development and adoption of innovation. In addition, in April 2021, CHAP launched the International Dual Membership in collaboration with its sister Agri-Tech centre, Agri-EPI Centre. CHAP also works closely with the Department for International Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

science lab

Images supplied by CHAP.

“Through a dedicated contact, members have a direct route into the UK sector, through our resources, experts in the industry and by brokering introductions to other businesses via the CHAP partner network.

“It’s our mission to better understand the challenges facing the industry both at a national and international level, and support our members to find solutions to help grow their business.”

For more information about CHAP, visit www.chap-solutions.co.uk or email [email protected]

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