Colin Hassard, International Trade Adviser
How Northern Ireland’s agri-tech sector is sowing the seeds for global success
Agricultural technology (agri-tech) fuses farming expertise with innovative engineering and technology. Its purpose is to help improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, so that farmers can make more for less.
Northern Ireland businesses provide a range of innovative solutions to the agricultural sector, both locally and internationally. From experienced agri-engineering manufacturers, building on the heritage of pioneers like Harry Ferguson, to cutting-edge technology businesses, progressing and protecting farm-to-fork credibility, our agri-tech companies are delivering world-class products and services to farmers across the globe.
In this feature, Colin Hassard, International Trade Adviser at Invest Northern Ireland, examines why and how the region’s agri-tech solutions are in demand globally.
Northern Ireland companies with global success
Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector serves as one of our largest industries . A 2023 review estimated that it accounted for £1.7 billion of value added to the Northern Ireland economy and employs over 60,000 workers across the supply chain.
Northern Ireland’s agri-tech sector combines engineering heritage with new capabilities in sustainable farming, animal health and digital technology. This scope of expertise is helping to build a presence in markets around the world.
Long-established manufacturers continue to expand internationally. Fleming Agri, based in Derry~Londonderry, is one of Ireland’s oldest manufacturers of agricultural equipment. The company sells its products all over the world, but recently reported new business in Denmark, France, Latvia, Australia, UAE, and USA. Dromore-based UPU Industries is Ireland’s only indigenous manufacturer of net wrap and baler twine with almost 50 years’ experience in the sector. The company supplies its products to over 30 countries worldwide, and recently registered new business in Switzerland and Japan.
Other businesses are developing solutions to help farming become more productive and sustainable. Erth Engineering in Downpatrick manufactures seed drills and subsoilers designed to improve soil quality and to improve soil aeration and drainage and has secured new export business in countries across Europe and South Africa. Meanwhile, Cattle Eye uses AI to monitor livestock to spot lameness and review body condition of cows. Through its partnership with GEA, one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, its technology has been adopted in 23 countries across Europe, North America, and beyond, with recent success in Australia and Argentina.
These companies show how Northern Ireland’s agri-tech sector is growing a reputation globally for being able to meet the changing needs of famers worldwide.
Hosting future success
Trade shows and exhibitions can give companies an opportunity to explore markets, while providing businesses that are new to exporting an opportunity to meet buyers and distributors.
Invest NI has supported businesses to attend agriculture trade shows, Agritechnica and EuroTier, in Germany, with much success. JEPS Farm Safe, for example, during its first time exhibiting, secured first export sales to Germany and Lebanon. Other attendees, such as Agrihealth, appointed new distributors in Spain and the Middle East, and Spreadpoint acquired a new customer in Switzerland, which was a first for the company. Biddy Attachments also featured at a European show for the first time, which resulted in a deal in the Republic of Ireland.
Since 2023, Invest NI agri-tech client companies have recorded almost £2 million in new export sales, to partners, distributors, farmers, and consumers across the globe from EuroTier and Agritechnica trade shows. Building on these recent export successes, Invest NI is returning to EuroTier in 2026, hosting nine companies on a dedicated Northern Ireland pavilion to develop new export business.
By supporting businesses to attend global exhibitions, Invest NI helps the agri-tech sector to expand its international footprint which can help continue the global success of our homegrown companies.
About the author - Colin Hassard, International Trade Adviser, Agri-tech
Colin is an International Trade Adviser at Invest Northern Ireland, assisting client companies from across the agri-tech sector, with the aim of driving export growth. Colin’s work spans assessing export capability, identifying international business opportunities, and strategic export development planning, working closely with agri-tech companies to help explore new opportunities and strengthen their commercial reach in key markets.
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