Author: Skye Melita

Webinar will examine how the world of plant genomics is shaping modern farming

Farmers have the chance to explore the fascinating world of genomics with the help of an expert panel of leading crop specialists and researchers alongside agroecology consultant Ben Taylor-Davies at a free webinar taking place on 27 February.  

The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) and Unium Bioscience will host the webinar, called ‘Genomics: A new frontier in crop production’ on Thursday 27 February 2025 to explore how plant genomics – studying how gene expression and targeted biological solutions – are driving innovation. From advanced biostimulants to sustainable strategies for boosting crop resilience and productivity, attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge developments shaping modern farming.

Speakers: 

Layne Ellen Harris PhD, owner and research consultant at foresight agronomics, with a PhD in plant molecular biology and over a decade of experience in agricultural research, will outline how nutrition and bioactive compounds influence gene expression and how this insight helps optimise plant growth and health naturally.

Tim Eyrich, head of agronomy and Innovation at HELM Agro, will give insight into the practical application of biological solutions in the field, delving into independent trials conducted by Unium Bioscience, which involve extracting plant DNA, analysing genome sequencing to understand plant functions, and evaluating how biological products influence these traits.

Farmer and agroecology consultant Ben Taylor-Davies will offer his own insights, having used biological products on his own farm, and will join the experts to chair the closing interactive panel session. 

John Haywood and Andrew Cromie of Unium Bioscience will also be available to address research-related questions.

The webinar is being organised by Unium Bioscience to highlight groundbreaking research into how the analysis of plant genomics can boost crop production on farms in collaboration with BOFIN. 

“Nutrigenomics studies how nutrition and bioactive compounds influence gene expression. Researchers can observe which genes are upregulated or downregulated under different conditions,” explains Unium Bioscience director, John Haywood. 

“Pioneering research has shown how targeted nutrition and biostimulants can enhance plant performance. 

“For example, they can enhance stress tolerance, improve water use efficiency, and boost yields. Nutrigenomics provides the scientific foundation to understand and refine how these compounds work at the genetic level. By tailoring biostimulants to specific crop needs, farmers can achieve targeted outcomes, such as higher quality produce or greater resistance to environmental challenges,” says John. 

“It’s so important to stay in touch with the latest advances and this is an opportunity for farmers to learn and ask questions about genomics, including how farming practices affect them and how effective they are, direct from the expects,” says BOFIN Founder Tom Allen-Stevens. 

To register for the webinar, which takes place on Thursday 27^th February, click the button:

Notes to editors

Press release issued by Sophie Robinson at Wilesmith Ltd e: sophie@wilesmith.co.uk t: 07837852673

About Unium Bioscience 

Unium Bioscience is a science lead innovator in the biologicals, bio stimulants, specialty fertiliser and alternative crop protection industry, located in Howden, UK.

The company mission is based on plant physiology, linking research with practical modern agriculture providing growers with hi-tech affordable ways to maximise crop production. Unium is very aware of the changing needs in the global agricultural market and strives continually to provide innovative solutions.

Join us at the upcoming webinar: ‘Satellite 2.0: Detecting nitrogen in crops from space’

Farmers interested in cutting-edge technology are invited to a webinar exploring the potential opportunities of hyperspectral satellite imaging for optimising fertiliser use.

As the only satellite technology able to detect the specific wavelengths required for remote crop nitrogen analysis, hyperspectral imaging has ‘game-changing potential’ believes UK agri-tech start-up Messium, which is co-hosting the webinar with The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN).

“Previous generations of satellites couldn’t detect nitrogen in the crop – only biomass,” said Messium CEO George Marangos-Gilks. “Hyperspectral satellites are able to do both making this a game changer for farmers wanting to make best use of nitrogen applications.

“Whats more, commercial hyperspectral satellites are now available at scale, meaning that the value is there for farmers now.” 

Integrating this data with leading crop growth models and real-time weather information, gives farmers actionable insight to improve the Nitrogen Use Efficiency of their crops, he explained.

The virtual event ‘Satellite 2.0: Detecting nitrogen in crops from space’ at 8.30am on Wednesday 29^thJanuary will explain the science behind the technology and optimal fertiliser use. Attendees will also hear from a farmer involved in Messium’s 2024 commercial pilot which involved 40 farms and saw an average 29% improvement in Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE).

“This led to an average uplift in profit of 7%, where the technology was correcting under-fertilisation, and 12% where cropped areas had previously been over-fertilised,” continued George Marangos-Gilks.

Tom Allen-Stevens, Founder of BOFIN said: “It’s essential that farmers can make best use of the latest technology if they are to increase productivity and sustainability in 2025 and beyond. Satellite technology has become part of the toolkit for UK farmers seeking precision application, so hyperspectral imaging should be of huge interest to those wanting to take their production to the next level.” 

To register or for more information click the button below:

Notes to editors

Press enquiries to Clemmie Gleeson clemmie@bofin.org.uk

Photo of George Marangos-Gilks and a QR code for the booking page are available HERE

About BOFIN:

• The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) was founded in September 2020 by Tom Allen-Stevens to represent farmers who carry out their own on-farm trials.
• The network currently has over 500 farmers within a total membership of around 3500. The rest are scientists, knowledge exchange managers, industry innovators and a large following of citizen scientists.
• Membership of BOFIN is free and there is no obligation to carry out on-farm trials, or to get involved. But for those who do, the aim for BOFIN Farmers is to seek a more scientific approach to on-farm trials. We encourage collaboration, discussion, and offer a platform to share ideas and for these to be valued.
• BOFIN Farmers have a bent for pre-commercial technology. We seek a more sustainable, resilient path for agriculture, both for the UK and worldwide. But the journey to get there should be exciting, inspiring and exhilarating. 
• Find out more and join at www.bofin.org.uk 

About Messium:

• Messium is an agri-tech start-up backed by Innovate UK, and the UK & European Space Agencies. 
• It uses cutting-edge hyperspectral satellites and crop models to offer accurate and frequent insights to growers on the level of Nitrogen in wheat crops. With these insights, growers can optimise their fertiliser regimes to maximise yield and protein, minimise waste, and reduce harmful emissions. 
• The Messium model has been rigorously trained on 13,000+ samples from more than 300 trial sites in 23 countries, including 50 strip trials with rate-specific recommendations. 
• It’s 2024 commercial pilot involved 40 farms with more farms taking part in 2025.
• Find out more at www.messium.co.uk