About Precision Plants
We're building the future of British hemp - combining cutting-edge gene editing with deep agricultural expertise to solve the industry's most critical challenge.
Our Mission
Precision Plants exists to unlock the full potential of hemp cultivation in the UK. We're developing gene-edited hemp varieties that eliminate the THC compliance risk that has suppressed British hemp farming for decades.
Our precision breeding technology creates varieties specifically designed for UK conditions - drought-resistant, cold-tolerant, and designed for guaranteed compliance. We're not just improving hemp; we're making it a viable, profitable crop for British farmers.
Our Journey
From identifying the problem to building the solution - our path to transforming British hemp.
Industry Experience
Founders Charles Clowes (CEO) and Mark Turner (Chief Innovation Officer) co-found Bud & Tender, award-winning CBD brand. 3+ years navigating hemp supply chains, regulations, and quality challenges. Identify genetic problem as fundamental barrier.
Precision Plants Founded
Decision to solve problem at source: develop superior hemp genetics using precision breeding technology. Partnership established with University of Hertfordshire for genomics platform access.
Public Investment Secured
Secured public investment through HKEP and HKICS programmes for project 'Genetic Engineering of Cannabinoid Biosynthesis for Therapeutic Use'. Co-funded by Hertfordshire LEP (Single Local Growth Fund) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Gene Editing Commences
Gene editing commences with CRISPR-Cas9 targeting Cannabinoid Modification and Seed Yield & Oil genes across three hemp varieties.
Rothamsted Research Partnership
Signed collaboration agreement with Rothamsted Research for independent field trials and baseline data collection to inform our precision breeding programme.
University Investment & First Grow
£95k investment from University of Hertfordshire into Precision Plants Farming Futures project. First grow of EU hemp varieties at Rothamsted Research facilities to establish baseline data.
DEFRA Funding Awarded
£912,259 awarded through DEFRA's Farming Innovation Programme for climate-resilient hemp development. Partnership with University of Hertfordshire and Rothamsted Research formalised.
Lab Development
CRISPR-Cas9 multi-trait stacking continues at University of Hertfordshire labs. Growing EU hemp varieties at Rothamsted. Gene-editing R&D for BritGrain Auto™, LongLine Fibre™, and YieldMax Duo™.
Side-by-Side Trials
Planned comparison trials at Rothamsted — growing our Stackatrait™ varieties alongside EU varieties, subject to laboratory development milestones.
National Expansion
Multi-site trials at Rothamsted locations across the country plus champion farmers UK-wide.
APHA Testing
DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability) and VCU (Value for Cultivation and Use) testing for seed registration.
Commercial Launch
Registered seed available to UK farmers. Market leadership established. British hemp genetics exported globally.
Early-Stage Public Funding (2022)
Precision Plants secured public investment through two innovation projects co-funded by regional and international bodies to stimulate local high-tech growth.
Official Project Title: "Genetic Engineering of Cannabinoid Biosynthesis for Therapeutic Use"
Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange Partnership (HKEP)
Facilitates research and development by connecting SMEs with academic expertise from the University of Hertfordshire.
Funding Streams
- •Single Local Growth Fund (Hertfordshire LEP): Part of £2.5 million allocation into Hertfordshire Science Partnership (2016)
- •European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): £1.45 million (2017) supporting innovation and research commercialisation
Hertfordshire Innovation Centre Support (HKICS)
Provides infrastructure and technical support to businesses within Hertfordshire's key growth sectors, including life sciences and advanced therapeutics.
Funding Streams
- •Single Local Growth Fund: Part of £204.2 million secured by Hertfordshire LEP for regional economic growth
- •ERDF: European funding aimed at strengthening SME competitiveness and digitisation
National Government Funding (2026)
Building on early-stage success with major competitive grant funding
Innovate UK Farming Futures Grant (2026)
£912,259Awarded through DEFRA's Farming Innovation Programme for climate-resilient hemp development. This competitive grant validates Precision Plants' technology and approach at the national level.
Research Partners
- ✓University of Hertfordshire - Academic research partner
- ✓Rothamsted Research - Field trial and validation partner
Official Sources
Compliance & State Aid
As a recipient of public funding, Precision Plants remains compliant with State Aid (legacy EU) and UK Subsidy Control (current) regulations to ensure that this public funding does not provide an unfair market advantage.
What Makes Us Different
Precision Plants vs. traditional EU seed suppliers
| Aspect | Precision Plants | EU Seed Suppliers |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Stackatrait™ multi-trait precision platform | Traditional breeding |
| THC Guarantee | <0.01% (Precision Breeding) | Variable (15-30% non-compliance) |
| Climate Adaptation | UK-designed genetics | EU continental climate |
| Development Speed | 3-5 years per variety | 10-15 years |
| IP Protection | Patents + PVRs | Minimal/none |
| Farmer Support | Comprehensive | Limited |
| UK Base | British company | Foreign suppliers |
Our Values
Science-Led. Farmer-Focused. Impact-Driven.
Scientific Integrity
We are evidence-led. Claims are backed by data. Research is rigorous. Transparency is non-negotiable.
Farmer-First
Farmers are our customers and partners. Their success is our success. We design for real-world farm needs.
Environmental Responsibility
Agricultural innovation must support climate action and ecosystem health. Profit and planet are not contradictory.
Collaboration
Complex challenges require diverse expertise. We partner openly and share credit generously.
British Excellence
We're building a British success story - supporting UK farmers, UK research, and UK agricultural leadership.
Our Vision for 2035
"By 2035, Precision Plants varieties are grown on 100,000+ hectares across the UK, representing 50% market share of British hemp cultivation."