Drought-resistant seeds and cattle health system win prizes

Two innovative products have been recognised by supermarket Tesco through its 2026 Agri-tech Challenge – one related to drought-tolerant seeds and one linked to better cattle health.

The competition, now in its ninth year, aims to identify emerging technologies that can directly help farmers improve the way they operate and so bolster food security.

See also: Tesco opens applications for 2026 agri-tech challenge

As part of the award, the companies also gain an opportunity to trial their technologies within the Tesco supply chain, alongside receiving introductions to Tesco’s supplier network and industry mentoring.

Winner of the “early stage” category is AgroSustain – a Swiss agri-tech company which has developed an innovative sealing technology designed to strengthen plant resilience and protect crops.

The technology, named Tornado, forms an invisible physical barrier on the plant surface using edible ingredients, helping crops withstand challenging growing conditions including drought and salinity.

This has the potential to reduce crop losses, support higher yields, and reduce reliance on conventional treatments.

‘Late-stage’ category

Winner of the “late-stage” category – deemed to be closer to full commercialisation – is Herd Advance’s automated livestock management technology, Stockman.

The system captures key health and performance data, including weight, water intake and temperature, in real time as cattle drink, while allowing farmers to remotely draft and move animals between pens without the need for manual handling.

© Herd Advance

By giving farmers greater insight into their livestock and reducing handling, the system aims to address labour, health and safety challenges while supporting more efficient and sustainable beef production.

The company will receive specialist mentoring from one of Tesco’s key supplier partners, as well as an on-farm trial in Tesco’s beef supply chain.

‘Critical role’ 

Claire Lorains, technical and sustainability director at Tesco, said: “The farmers we work with are telling us innovation has a critical role to play in helping the industry become more productive, efficient and resilient.

“But a promising idea will only make a meaningful difference if there is a practical and realistic path to implementing it on farm.  

“The Agri-tech Challenge is just one way we are supporting farmers in finding and developing the agri-tech that will help secure the future of the industry.”