Fertiliser firm makes agri-tech list

A Shropshire fertiliser business reached the final 30 in the Tesco Agri‑T Jam 2025 - a prestigious innovation competition spotlighting agri-tech start-ups transforming the future of farming and food sustainability.

Selected from more than 120 applications globally, Lohas Fertiliser - a leader in organically derived soil nutrients, based near Oswestry - was then judged for a final place to present at Tesco’s innovation showcase.

The application process gave them the chance to get fast-track access to Tesco’s supplier network and support to scale their innovation nationally.

Their breakthrough product, NutriCycleX, transforms poultry manure into a climate-positive, odourless fertiliser in just three hours using a patented enzyme-based process - with zero emissions and zero wastewater.

“We were honoured to be shortlisted by Tesco,” said co-founder Lian Lin, who developed the technology.

“NutriCycleX takes a growing pollution problem and turns it into a practical solution that farmers, retailers and the planet can all benefit from. It’s science-led, scalable and designed to meet the very real climate and soil health challenges we’re facing in agriculture.

“Although not successful this year after reaching this important stage, we have been encouraged to re-apply next year, which of course we will do.”

Carlos Kao, co-founder and managing director, said: “The recognition in reaching the final 30 was a huge milestone for us. It gave us a national platform to demonstrate how waste can become a resource, one that reduces emissions, regenerates soils and supports UK food security.”

The Lohas Fertiliser team were told by Tesco that they were one of 120 applications and reaching the final stages with just 29 others was a "significant achievement”.

Each year, the UK generates over five million tonnes of poultry manure, much of which contributes to water pollution and ammonia emissions.

The goal of Lohas is for the NutriCycleX system to convert this waste into over three million tonnes of high performance fertiliser annually, delivering an estimated £1 billion in nutrient value while cutting up to 15 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ - comparable to removing three million cars from UK roads.

The fertiliser, produced using poultry manure from local farms at their production site at Crickheath, is pelletised, pathogen-free and can be stored and applied exactly when and where crops need it - improving nutrient uptake and reducing nitrogen loss.

The couple’s proposed £75,000 pilot with Tesco would trial the technology using poultry waste from Tesco suppliers, delivering fertiliser back to growers and tracking improvements across yields, emissions and soil health.

Carlos said: “This is about closing the loop - from farm waste to fertiliser, back to food. With Tesco’s leadership in sustainability and our technology on the ground, we believe this is a model that can scale nationally.”

Tesco’s Agri‑T Jam, delivered in partnership with Leading Edge Only, is designed to uncover scalable, impactful technologies that help Tesco achieve its environmental and supply chain goals. Finalists were chosen for their alignment with key themes including emissions reduction, regenerative agriculture and circularity.

Natalie Smith, Tesco’s head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, said: “Agri‑T Jam is now an established gateway into the Tesco network for start-ups and innovators.”

Last year’s winner, FloMo - A Better Way to Fish, went on to secure a live trial with a Tesco supply chain partner.

Founded by Carlos Kao and Lian Lin, Lohas Fertiliser began producing organically derived soil nutrients in 2018. In 2021, a £1 million investment enabled the company to scale operations at its West Farm facility and they are now looking at further expansion at another site in Shropshire.

Their products are used by growers, vineyards and horticulture professionals across the UK. Backed by Innovate UK, DEFRA, and recognised by APHA, Lohas continues to work with farmers, researchers and policymakers to improve nutrient use, reduce pollution and build a more sustainable future for UK agriculture.

Pictured: Lian Lin - co-founder of Lohas Fertiliser