MTC partners with UPP and S&A Produce to accelerate Agri-Tech innovation in the UK

Robotics is transforming UK agriculture—tackling labour shortages, reducing reliance on seasonal workers, and enabling smarter, more sustainable farming. To bring this critical technology to market faster, MTC will collaborate with Upcycled Plant Power (UPP) and S&A Produce (UK) Ltd, as part of Innovate UK’s AgriScale Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Programme.

MTC will work with both SMEs to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their solutions.  From now until March 2026, MTC’s team will continue to develop the prototype of S&A Produce’s EVE - an autonomous robot that carries out key soft-fruit husbandry tasks. They will help the company with scalability and CE certification to ensure the technology can be commercially deployed.  

UPP has partnered with MTC to develop the design for manufacture and assembly of its pioneering automated broccoli harvester. Unlike conventional systems that harvest only the heads, UPP’s technology captures much of the nutritious stalk - a part of the plant that’s usually left to waste in the field. The broccoli stem and stalks can then be separated at a later stage, and transformed into hypoallergenic, plant-based protein and fibre ingredients - unlocking new value from every broccoli plant and helping build a more sustainable food system.

First unveiled by Defra Minister Dame Angela Eagle at last month’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, MTC will be delivering the AgriScale pilot in conjunction with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Warwick Manufacturing Group.