The UK Agri-Tech Centre has welcomed the UK Government’s recent launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), which has been established to help bring the UK’s most promising technologies to the market faster. Announced by the Science Secretary, the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, this new office aims to reduce regulatory barriers and provide regulatory certainty making it easier for businesses with emerging technologies to innovate and grow.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre, which is a hub of collaboration and innovation within the agri-tech sector, will work with businesses, regulators, and government departments to identify those regulatory barriers that need addressing to drive the industry forward.
Accelerating agri-tech ambition
In recent years, the agri-tech sector has made remarkable strides in developing advanced technologies such as engineering biology, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize how we produce food, manage land, and respond to environmental challenges. However, as with any rapidly evolving sector, innovation can often outpace regulation.
Dr. Grace O’Gorman, Head of External Affairs at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “We welcome the UK Government’s launch of the RIO and its emphasis on engineering biology, space, artificial intelligence, and connected and autonomous technology. These are areas which are already yielding benefits for the agri-industries, but there are barriers in the regulatory framework that need to be addressed to accelerate innovation.”
A collaborative path to net zero
The UK’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 means that every sector must innovate and adapt, and agriculture is no exception. Technologies that reduce emissions, enhance resource efficiency, and support sustainable farming practices will be key to meeting this goal.
However, for these technologies to make a real impact, the regulatory framework must be progressive and robust to support a vibrant UK innovation ecosystem. By collaborating with the RIO and other government bodies, the UK Agri-Tech Centre is positioned to help the agri-tech sector overcome regulatory barriers and continue driving forward with innovations that will secure the future of food production, contribute to economic growth and support environmental sustainability.
Source: UK Agri-Tech Centre.
