NEW TECH FOODS

The UK Agri-Tech Centre and the Carbon Trust have launched the Food Agriculture System Technology Accelerator (FASTA), a programme designed to help UK-based innovators scale technologies that support sustainable farming.

FASTA focuses on accelerating the adoption of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems, which provide the data needed to track greenhouse gas emissions, validate sustainability claims and guide low-carbon practices. Agriculture accounts for roughly 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, making MRV technologies key to achieving Net Zero targets.

The programme is seeking UK innovators with solutions in areas such as soil health monitoring, remote sensing, environmental emissions tracking, AI decision support, carbon footprint modelling, data interoperability, financial platforms and supply chain traceability.

Registration for the FASTA programme runs from 6-23 January 2026. Participants will receive bespoke support from industry experts and access to investors to bring tested solutions closer to market.

Sarah Laidler, global practice area head for agriculture, food and drink at The Carbon Trust, 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 at The Carbon Trust, commented: “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, added: “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.”