Summer on the road: connecting Niab’s research and innovation with UK agriculture

Each event offers something different: different growers, different solutions and different parts of the country. Niab’s programme of open days and industry events ensures that farmers, agronomists, researchers, breeders and more have access to the latest evidence, practical guidance and support in crop production, sustainable farming systems and horticultural innovation.

Although a busy time for our teams, it is one we enjoy every year as it gives the opportunity to showcase Niab’s work to UK agricultural and horticultural industries.

With the 2026 summer events programme now finished we’ve looked back through some of our favourite photographs – showcasing Niab’s work putting plant science into practice.

Niab open days

This year we held Open Days at Hinxton near Cambridge, Sutton Scotney in Hampshire, and were part of The Morley Agricultural Foundation’s Innovation Day in Norfolk. With more than a hundred farmers, agronomists and more attending these events, they allow us to discuss latest research with to Niab members and others.

Trade events

A highlight of each summer event season is our presence at the UK's major agricultural and horticultural events. With Cereals heading west to the world-famous Diddly Squat Farm, Niab staff discussed the latest work on crop varieties, disease management and agronomy. The soil hole was even more popular than previously, with queues forming to see beneath the ground. Even the host farmer himself, Jeremy Clarkson, popped in the hole to see the soil his crops are grown in.

Groundswell provided an ideal forum for conversations around soil health, resilient farming systems and regenerative agriculture and for the first time we had a programme of seminars on our own stand. Meanwhile, Fruit Focus at East Malling in Kent brought together the horticulture sector for a day of networking, knowledge exchange and research-led discussion. The site moved this year, but we still delivered two hour-long research sessions where our staff explained the projects they are currently working on.

The feedback, questions and conversations we had over the summer help ensure that Niab's research remains relevant, practical and responsive to the challenges facing UK agriculture and horticulture.

Thank you to everyone who attended a field tour, stopped by our event stands, or shared their insights with us over the summer. We look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the year and welcoming you back in 2027.

For more insights from Niab, take a look at our agronomy or fruit membership options.