Programme launched to scale technologies needed to support sustainable agriculture in UK
FASTA – a pioneering programme backed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre and delivered in partnership with the Carbon Trust launched today to help UK-based innovators scale the technologies needed to support sustainable farming in the UK.
Developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, FASTA aims to accelerate the adoption of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems which are vital for credible sustainability claims, can unlock finance and drive measurable progress toward Net Zero.
With agriculture contributing around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the UK, MRV is vital to lowering GHG emissions in agriculture. These technologies provide the data and transparency needed to track emissions, validate impact and guide smarter decisions. Robust MRV is essential to scale climate-smart practices, carbon markets, or build trust across the value chain.
FASTA is looking for UK-based innovators with solutions that are technically viable in one of, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Soil health monitoring
- Remote sensing and geospatial analytics
- Environmental emissions monitoring
- AI-powered decision support systems
- Carbon footprint and sustainability modelling tools
- Data aggregation and interoperability platforms
- Financial platforms
- Supply chain traceability and verification
Innovators can register to participate in the FASTA programme from 6-23 January, with bespoke expert support from key industry stakeholders and investor access to bring tested solutions closer to market.
Sarah Laidler, global practice area head, agriculture, food & drink said: “As stakeholders across the agricultural sector confront the dual pressures of rigorous reporting and the urgent need to decarbonise, FASTA stands out as a catalyst for change. It unlocks unparalleled access to industry and corporate networks, mobilising the entire agriculture supply chain to pilot and scale solutions that are firmly grounded in the realities of producers and industry demands. By combining deep expertise in agricultural supply chains with entrepreneurial drive, the Carbon Trust is committed to accelerating the transition to low‑carbon economies through bold collaboration.”
Iain Meager, director of innovation said: “Innovators have a critical role in solving agriculture’s most complex challenges, but we have seen they need access to real-world insight and networks to make it happen. FASTA provides that bridge, bringing together stakeholders across the food and agriculture value chain to help move innovations from concept to deployment.”
Ruth Bastow, chief technology officer at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Helping innovators to scale and commercialise their products is key to agri-tech business success and growth. The FASTA programme is centred on MRV technologies that will enable sustainable farming and carbon reduction. By providing a unique combination of technical and commercial support, FASTA will accelerate the commercialisation and market adoption of innovative solutions. Contributing to changing the way we track and manage environmental impact could not have come at a more fundamental time for the sector.”