Dutch agritech delegates encouraged to locate and invest in Kent

Locate in Kent and Growing Kent & Medway welcomed industry leaders, academics and innovators from across the UK and the Netherlands recently to discuss opportunities for future trade collaboration and innovation.

The UK’s thriving agritech sector covers a range of categories from consumer-based apps and services, food processing and sustainable packaging to farming systems and research into the next generation of food and beverages.

Kent was the final stop of a three-day agritech mission, organised by the British Embassy in The Hague and the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade.

The mission set out to show the sizeable opportunity for Dutch companies in the agritech sphere to grow their business by investing in the UK, as well as highlighting the latest technological innovations seeking to address challenges including climate change.

In Kent, that included a tour of NIAB’s East Malling site, a centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in commercial horticulture.

This introduced delegates to research projects using AI and machine learning for the early detection and prevention of pests and diseases in orchards and vineyard.

Another project on show is using new technologies to increase yields in strawberry production.

Delegates also toured the labs of two agritech businesses based at Discovery Park in Sandwich –Harmoniz Seeds, which recently opened a new demonstration greenhouse in the Netherlands, and Ventera Bio, a research and experimental development biotech business.

Nick Fenton, CEO of Locate in Kent, said: “This was an opportunity to showcase Kent and Medway as a key region for food and drink innovation for the UK and to build new connections for future collaboration and investment.

“We were able to share how Kent and Medway is making a significant contribution to a British success story, supporting a food and drink sector that adds £104.4 billion to the UK economy.

“That story is built on strong heritage and partnership – and there’s much more to come.”

Dr Nikki Harrison, director for Growing Kent and Medway, said: “Through this mission, we were able to showcase the sizeable investment opportunities for agritech businesses in Kent and Medway.

“As well as being home to some of the largest horticultural producers in the UK, our cluster of cutting-edge research facilities and specialists, funding and business support means our region is an attractive option for innovative businesses looking to grow.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, added: “Discovery Park is a major hub for innovation, hosting over 160 companies ranging from global corporations to dynamic startups.

“Among these is Grow Up Farms, a pioneer in the vertical farming industry, creating pesticide free salad leaves for consumers across the UK.

“With our cutting-edge facilities, strategic location near London and with easy access to transport links to Europe, Discovery Park is perfectly positioned to foster further growth and innovation in the agritech sector.

“Welcoming industry leaders from the UK and the Netherlands is crucial for fostering partnerships and creating new opportunities in this field.

“We welcome the UK government’s efforts in promoting trade missions to Kent, which will help support the local economy, create jobs and cement Discovery Park’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology.”