Director, Ceres Agri-Tech

Louise Sutherland is the Director of Ceres Agri-tech, a partnership that helps develop and commercialize agri-tech innovations from UK universities, bringing them from the lab bench to farmers’ fields. Ceres Agri-Tech has an extensive pipeline of over 40 agri-tech innovations, delivered numerous licences and a number of spin-outs, including Fruitcast, Agaricus Robotics, and Cellexcel, that improve productivity, sustainability, and support the move to net zero for farmers and growers.

Louise has worked extensively across UK and global food supply chains with growers, suppliers, and retailers, helping businesses address challenges and develop innovative solutions. Her experience includes senior roles in food retailing, the former Chair of the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Scheme and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Soft Fruit Panel. She is the current Chair of the Translational R&D Board for British Berry Growers. Louise has a research background and a PhD in Plant Pathology.