The UK hop sector faces significant challenges from global competition, a changing climate, and pest and diseases pressures. This report examines how a targeted strategic place-based investment can support the industry and revive British hops in Kent and Medway.

Asplins Producer Organisation and Niab utilised our R&D support to investigate whether specific strawberry and raspberry varieties could naturally resist spotted wing drosophila (SWD). While the project ultimately proved that varietal selection alone does not resist the pest, the research provided the industry with vital data, redirecting focus toward other essential control strategies.

Inspro, supported by Growing Kent & Medway, successfully demonstrated a circular solution for organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae. By converting waste streams into nutrient-rich "frass", the project validated a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers that boosts soil health and microbial diversity.

Deep Planet, in collaboration with Niab and leading UK vineyards, utilised our support to develop an AI-driven disease monitoring system. By analysing satellite imagery, the project successfully demonstrated a cost-effective solution to predict fungal infections, protecting the UK's growing wine sector from yield losses.

Re-generation Earth, in collaboration with the University of Kent, utilised one of our large R&D grant programmes to establish an on-farm "Living Lab" for biochar production. The project demonstrated that while biochar is most effective as a nutrient carrier rather than a standalone fertiliser, it offers significant potential for long-term carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.

British soft fruit growers could cut their carbon footprint by up to 40% by switching to recycled coconut coir. A large R&D grant project, supported by Growing Kent & Medway, enabled Kent-based Overland and Niab to scientifically validate a new recycling process. The trials proved the recycled material performs as well as virgin coir, cuts water use, and tackles the industry's massive waste problem.

RUBISKO, a Kent-based agri-tech start-up, used support from Growing Kent & Medway to develop a new data management platform for emerging agricultural industries. One of our medium-sized grant programmes funded R&D to build two modules for seaweed nurseries and insect farms, saving farms 50% on admin time and attracting international customers.

Tensei Limited, supported by Growing Kent & Medway, led a project in Kent to turn Second Harvest farm waste into sustainable bio-fillers. This medium-sized R&D grant project proved that materials like hop bines can be compounded with plastic polymers, creating a new revenue stream for growers and reducing plastic use.

Canterbury Brewers & Distillers, an award-winning Kent spirit producer, used support from Growing Kent & Medway to solve their primary waste problem. One of our medium-sized grant programmes helped prove they could utilise whiskey by-products – spent grain, water, and CO₂ – to cultivate speciality gourmet mushrooms, creating new high-value food products and a true circular economy model.