Science for
Sustainable
Agriculture
Science for
Sustainable
Agriculture
Science and Technology news
Key developments in science and technology in agriculture
24 February 2026
Farming UK
£43.5m slug problem targeted with high-tech imaging breakthrough
Farming UK reports that researchers have identified a high-tech imaging method that could help tackle the £43.5m annual cost of slug damage to UK crops. Scientists from the UK Agri-Tech Centre and Rothamsted Research found multispectral imaging can detect grey field slugs in real time using five specific light wavelengths, enabling potential automated in-field monitoring. The breakthrough could reduce reliance on blanket pellet applications by supporting targeted treatment of hotspots. The new technology may help underpin precision mapping and AI-led control systems, although further in-field validation is required.
17 February 2026
Farmers Guardian
Climate change forces rethink of UK arable resilience
Farmers Guardian reports that climate change is already impacting UK arable farming, with volatile weather widening the gap between genetic yield gains and real farm performance. Speaking at the recent AICC conference, ADAS scientist Christina Baxter demonstrated that since around 2006, Recommended List trial yields for wheat have continued rising, but average farm yields have remained static or declined, creating a yield gap of about 2.5t/ha. Warmer summers, wetter winters and heavier rainfall events are increasing risks from poor establishment, waterlogging and nutrient loss. Earlier-maturing wheat varieties now deliver more reliable yields, while later types face penalties.
15 February 2026
The Sunday Times
Time for world to ‘embrace gene-edited meat and Frankenfoods’
The Sunday Times reports that a US scientist is urging the public to move beyond fears of “Frankenfoods” and embrace gene-editing in livestock production. Speaking at a recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr Jon Oatley of Washington State University said the use of precise gene editing techniques such as CRISPR can accelerate conventional breeding to produce disease-resistant, faster-growing cows, pigs and chickens, cutting waste, methane emissions and improving health and welfare outcomes. Such techniques do not introduce foreign DNA, distinguishing them from GMOs, he said. The report notes that his comments come as the UK government considers the introduction of legislation under the Precision Breeding Act allowing gene-edited animal products for sale.
12 February 2026
Farming UK
Tree planting on grassland may cut soil carbon, scientists warn
Farming UK reports on new research warning that planting trees on long-established grassland could reduce soil carbon, potentially undermining expected climate benefits. A University of Stirling study of Scottish pine plantations found forest soils contained around half the carbon of neighbouring grassland, with losses equal to roughly a third of the trees’ absorbed carbon. Remaining soil carbon was also less stable. Scientists say carbon schemes, including the Woodland Carbon Code, must better reflect below-ground impacts. While tree-planting may bring biodiversity and economic benefits, the researchers caution they cannot be treated a simple net zero solution.
11 February 2026
BBC News
Are wetter winters and frequent flooding here to stay?
BBC News reports that the UK’s wetter winters and frequent flooding are increasingly likely to continue as climate change intensifies rainfall. A blocked weather pattern has kept storms lingering, but long-term trends show winters are becoming wetter, with six of the ten wettest on record occurring this century. Warmer air holds more moisture, meaning heavier downpours, while rising sea levels worsen coastal flooding. The Met Office says winters like 2023/24 have shifted from rare 80-year events to 20-year events. Flooding threatens homes, transport and farming, with major losses already reported. By 2050, one in four properties could face flood risk.
9 February 2026
Farming UK
Warmer UK climate raises risk of new crop pests, Met Office warns
Farming UK reports that rising UK temperatures are increasing the risk of invasive crop pests, the Met Office has warned, as warmer conditions allow harmful insects to survive and spread. The alert follows confirmation that 2025 was the UK’s warmest year on record, highlighting accelerating climate change. Scientists say pests once unable to live in the UK, such as the Colorado potato beetle, now pose growing threats to agriculture and forestry.
6 February 2026
Eastern Daily Press
NFU sugar chair warns of risks of EU alignment
Eastern Daily Press reports that Norfolk farmer Kit Papworth has warned that the UK’s move towards “dynamic alignment” with EU rules could have serious consequences for Britain’s farmers and growers. The NFU Sugar chairman said alignment with the EU under a future SPS deal could restrict access to vital crop protection products and threaten sugar beet production. He also cautioned of the risks of sacrificing the UK’s Precision Breeding Act, which was introduced post-Brexit to support the rapid development of more resilient crops, pointing to new Innovate UK-backed work using gene editing to tackle Virus Yellows in sugar beet.
5 February 2026
AgTechNavigator
Innovation-based efficiency growth emerges as top driver for reducing agricultural emissions
AgTechNavigator reports that a new study led by researchers from Cornell University and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has concluded that efficiency growth - measured as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) - is the primary driver behind reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, as global food output rose 270% between 1961 and 2021 while emissions increased by just 45%. Higher productivity means producing more marketable outputs with fewer inputs, which has helped decouple production from emissions and offers a roadmap for climate-smart agriculture. The research suggests boosting productivity through innovation – such as improved seed quality, precision farming and gene-editing for higher yields - can cut emissions most effectively, particularly in low-income nations.
5 February 2026
Farmers Weekly
MPs wary of SPS fallout as EU talks resume
Farmers Weekly reports that MPs have warned that a new UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal must not disadvantage British farmers as negotiations with Brussels resume. A report from the Efra committee supports closer alignment to ease trade but urges caution on not disadvantaging UK producers in areas such as animal welfare and pesticide rules. It also cautions against losing UK flexibility on scientific advances, highlighting concerns that EU alignment could restrict gene editing. The committee calls for a targeted exemption so England can retain its lead in precision breeding while retaining trade benefits.
5 February 2026
Farmers Weekly
Call for farm data payments in revamped SFI
Farmers Weekly reports that senior industry figures are calling on Defra to reward farm data collection in the redesigned Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), due to relaunch in 2026. In an open letter to secretary Emma Reynolds, the group argues that incentives for digital tools and software would boost productivity, resilience and environmental sustainability. They say current policy undervalues high-quality on-farm data and missed a post-Brexit opportunity to embed digital agriculture. Improved data could support soil and carbon metrics, unlock new markets and strengthen farm profitability.
4 February 2026
Farming UK
Antibiotic use on dairy farms falls as new industry targets already met
Farming UK reports that UK dairy farmers have reduced antibiotic use faster than expected, meeting new industry targets within months of their introduction. Kingshay’s latest Antimicrobial Focus Report, covering 967 herds, shows average use fell to 12.2 mg/kg PCU, continuing a long-term decline. Targets set for lactating cows, dry cows and calves were all achieved, with major cuts in high-priority antibiotics. While progress is strong, however, significant regional and herd-level variation remains, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring, disease prevention and good herd health management.
1 February 2026
The Sunday Times
Are GM purple tomatoes coming to British supermarkets?
The Sunday Times reports that UK scientists are set to apply for approval to sell genetically modified purple tomatoes in England, potentially opening the door to wider GM food reform. Developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich by adding two snapdragon genes, the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, have a longer shelf life and have been already been approved for sale in the US, Canada and Australia. Researchers hope changing attitudes and changes to post-Brexit regulations will allow approval, making the tomato a test case to ease longstanding UK restrictions on GM crops.