Agritech to the United Kingdom

Program dates

April to July 2023

Key event

UK Roadshow for approximately 5 days in July 2023.

The program leaders will take the cohort on tour around key regions of the UK where opportunities exist for NSW agritech business.

Why this market

NSW businesses have an opportunity to contribute to the UK’s growing need for agritech innovation and boosted resilience in domestic supply chain. Brexit has caused a reset in the UK’s agricultural policy, with the 5-year pilot phase of the Agricultural Act 2020 now in force. Previously, British farmers were part of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with direct CAP payments to farmers now in a phase out period for 7 years (House of Commons, 2022).

The objective of the Agricultural Act is to further safeguard domestic food security and supply chain, with focus on enabling environmentally sustainable practices. These practices include improving farm productivity and creating higher efficiencies in the UK’s agrifood supply chain (UK Parliament, 2022). To align with new policy, the UK has four focus areas within agritech:

1. Innovation in technologies,
2. Livestock,
3. Plant precision, and
4. Big data (Agritech Centres, 2022).

The UK’s need for greater food security of its 67 million consumers has led to agritech innovation being increasingly important. The Australia – UK Free Trade Agreement allows NSW business to benefit from zero tariffs on 99% of products and services. NSW’s first-class agritech products and services places NSW business in a strong position to be competitive in the UK market.

Curriculum

Introductory session

• Welcome session – April 2023
• Introduction to the agritech ecosystem and doing business in the UK

Market intelligence and cultural training

• Market briefing: sector specific opportunities and key trends of the UK’s agritech market
• Market specific business culture and etiquette
• Regulatory requirements

Pitch Coaching

• Pitch coaching workshop
• 1:1 training for pitching to UK business or investment

Potential partner search and introductions

• Participation in a UK agritech roadshow, with in-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW
• Identification of potential partners, customers and investors
• Targeted 1:1 business matching meetings

Mentoring

• 1:1 mentoring from an in-market expert for the duration of the program

Ongoing advice and follow up

• Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

• Have headquarters in NSW
• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
• Be export-capable and export-ready 
• Have an employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
• The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
• The product or service is achieving sales already
• Have a website featuring the product or service
• Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
• Be flexible regarding market-entry method
• Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
• Be willing to travel to the selected market (where and when travel is permitted) and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters.

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

• Funding or generating revenue to support UK market expansion
• Clear pathway to profitability or an already profitable business
• Commitment to setting up in the UK in the next 12-18 months

The ideal participant

• Unique and innovative agritech product or service
• Compelling proposition for the UK market
• May already have some enquiries or leads in the UK market
• Have global business experience
• Ideal categories include:
  • Technologies aligned in the agricultural industry
  • Technologies aligned in sustainable environment
  • Controlled environment agriculture 
  • Food processing automation
  • Innovation in animal health
  • Plant-based and alternative protein products
  • Precision agriculture
  • Sustainable aquaculture
  • Sustainable farming system

Businesses not eligible for this stream

• Previous Going Global Program participants “to the United Kingdom”

How to apply

Applications closed on 23rd of February 2023.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome around 6 March.

Note:  Apply for your preferred market - you can apply for and participate in only one stream.