Overview
Climate change, rising costs, and labour shortages are creating serious challenges for the agricultural sector. In East Anglia, the University of Essex is tackling these issues head-on – applying research in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics directly on farms to improve crop growth, sustainability, and efficiency. From lettuces to onions and strawberries, Essex researchers are transforming farming and helping secure its long-term future.
The Challenge
Farmers are under growing pressure to boost yields while reducing costs, waste, and environmental impact. Unpredictable weather, disease, and labour shortages all threaten productivity. The University of Essex is responding with innovative, technology-driven solutions designed to help growers make faster, smarter decisions and keep food production resilient in the face of climate and economic change.
Partnerships
Essex is collaborating with leading agri-businesses including G’s Growers, Stourgarden, LettUs Grow, JEPCO, and Wilkin & Sons through a series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) supported by Innovate UK. Each partnership brings together Essex’s academic expertise with industry experience to create practical solutions for real-world farming challenges.
Research
Essex experts are harnessing AI, data science, and robotics to reimagine modern farming.
- With G’s Growers, researchers are developing an AI simulator to predict the best conditions for maximising lettuce yields.
- Stourgarden and LettUs Grow are trialling onion production using aeroponics to reduce carbon emissions and soil disease.
- The SCARLETT project with JEPCO explores how robotics can automate lettuce harvesting and processing.
- With Wilkin & Sons, drones and AI are being used to predict and prevent strawberry diseases, while robots are being developed to pick strawberries.
Impact
These collaborations are improving productivity, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable farming. AI and robotics are helping to overcome labour shortages, while data-led insights are boosting yields and reducing pesticide use. Together, Essex and its partners are driving a technological revolution in agriculture – helping secure the future of British farming.
