The agri-tech and food tech sector in Essex is a dynamic and growing industry that combines agriculture with cutting-edge technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in food production. The region has a strong agricultural heritage, and this is being enhanced by innovative approaches in farming and food processing, supported by a robust network of businesses, research institutions, and government initiatives. Historically, Essex has a diverse range of farming activities including arable farming (crops like wheat, barley, and rapeseed), horticulture (fruits, vegetables, and flowers), and livestock farming. The county’s agricultural output is significant, contributing to both local and national food supplies and food security.

Beyond primary agriculture, Essex has a significant food processing and manufacturing sector. This includes companies involved in the production of ready-to-eat foods, beverages, and other processed food products. These businesses benefit from Essex’s strategic location near London and major transport links, facilitating distribution across the UK and internationally. The region is also known for its artisanal food producers, contributing to a thriving local food culture that emphasizes quality and sustainability. Notable names include Maldon Salt, Wilkin and Sons (Tiptree Jam) and Fairfield’s Farm crisps.  It is a significant contributor to Essex’s economy, providing jobs across farming, food production, research, and technology development. It also supports related industries such as logistics, retail, and hospitality.

the sector is seen as a priority by the government with agri-tech being identified as a vital emerging market in the advanced manufacturing sector (one of the 8 growth driving sectors outlined on these pages). It is highlighted as a frontier industry that will shape the future of manufacturing in the UK.  The government’s sector plan for manufacturing notes that it will see ‘pioneering revolutionary approaches to agricultural productivity and sustainable food production, supporting both domestic and global supply chains.’ It outlines that it will also be important in meeting increasing global demand for farming solutions to boost the productivity of national food production, build climate resilience, and reduce emissions in agriculture. It also notes how important the sector is for national resilience.

The plan sets out that the UK agri-food chain contributes £147 billion in GVA to the economy, the number of agri-tech start-ups in the UK has increased approximately 40-fold in the last decade, employing more than 30,000,and the sector is expected to grow further with global demand increasing for the technologies that support economic resilience in agriculture. With agriculture contributing 11% to total UK greenhouse gas emissions, many UK agri-tech businesses are seeking to develop net zero solutions, while also addressing food security challenges.

The sector will continue to be important for Essex aided by the national focus and priority and the location of Essex. It is likely to play an increasingly important role in addressing global and national challenges and the combination of a strong agricultural base, innovative technology, and a commitment to sustainability will continue to ensure Essex is a key player in the UK’s agri-tech and food industry.

The sector has benefited from innovation and digital solutions, which are set to increase – such as precision farming, drone technology, automated machinery, and data analytics. These technologies help farmers optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and manage resources like water and fertilizers more efficiently. Examples include the use of satellite imagery and GPS technology to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and optimize planting and harvesting times.

The government’s sector plan sets out priorities which include reducing sector dependency on public investment by ensuring at least £50 million in private investment by 2029. It also seeks to increase the application of automation in priority farming sectors to reduce the need for seasonal labour and to achieve an agri-tech sector turnover of at least £20 billion by 2035. Government will allocate at least £200 million for the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) to 2030, offering targeted funding to drive innovation in agriculture this represents an opportunity for Essex businesses in the sector and to support progress towards net zero and to reduce the sector’s reliance on seasonal migrant labour in horticulture. The government will also deliver an Agri-Tech Export Accelerator Programme to match high-growth potential businesses with the most promising markets and upskill these companies to build resilient supply chains.

A skilled workforce is clearly critical for the sector, and it has faced challenges in recruiting skilled people to roles, which automation has been responding to.  Work is already underway and there is a range of provision responding to the sector and its skills needs. As this section has outlined, there are clear links with aspects of provision in areas like digital and manufacturing also. Locally, ARU Writtle is a key national player in agricultural education and research, offering specialised programs and conducting research in areas such as crop science, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.  The University of Essex also undertakes relevant research via the Essex Plant Innovation Centre (EPIC) including areas such as agricultural robotics and plant productivity. You can find out more about what’s on offer via the links on these pages.

The organisation Agri-TechE (representing members in the sector) notes that ‘we can no longer keep talking about the skills needed for future use of technology in agriculture, the future started years ago when the first robots made their way onto the fields and into the glasshouses and packhouses.’  It highlights the need for digital education in the sector such as working alongside robots, managing automation and undertaking data analysis. Similarly, a Barclays overview of the sector notes that ‘a recent report from the UK Agri-Tech Centre found that businesses are discouraged from adopting existing Agritech solutions by the lack of skills and training (29%) – a finding echoed by a recent Barclays survey of our agriculture client base.’

Top ten specialist and essential skills advertised in vacancies over the past year (to Summer 2025) helps to illustrate what employers are looking for. You can view further information and detail via the dashboard link.

Specialist Skills advertised                                               Essential Skills advertised

·  Mowing                                                                                ·  Communication

·  Landscaping                                                                       ·  Detail orientated

·  Machinery                                                                           ·  Customer Service

·  Warehousing                                                                      ·  Management

·  Gardening                                                                           ·  Operations

·  Pruning                                                                                ·  Strong work ethic

·  Weed control                                                                      ·  Enthusiasm

·  Irrigation (Landscaping and Agriculture)                   ·  Willingness to learn

·  Small Animal Care                                                           ·  Mentorship

·  Hand Tools                                                                        ·  Lifting ability