In a significant move to enhance food production and foster sustainability in the agricultural sector, the UK government has allocated up to £30 million for pioneering farming projects. These initiatives aim to boost productivity, work towards achieving net-zero emissions, and create a more resilient and sustainable industry. The funded projects include groundbreaking genetics research to reduce methane emissions in cattle. It will develop a reliable UK-grown protein source as an alternative to soya in human food. Additionally, investigations into the use of drones and artificial intelligence for animal monitoring and the development of biopesticides using fungal strains to combat pests in wheat crops are part of the portfolio. The government has further made £12.5 million available for innovative projects that contribute to a productive and sustainable agricultural sector.
The funding is provided through the Farming Innovation Programme. Which operates in partnership with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and is delivered by Innovate UK. A total of £270 million in grants will be disbursed before the completion of the agricultural transition. To support research and development projects that enable farmers and growers to produce food more sustainably. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to drive innovation in the farming sector and promote a technology-driven and sustainable food system.
Grants and flexible farming schemes aim to support farmers
Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of innovation in fostering a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector that ensures food security while protecting and restoring the environment. The grants provided by the Farming Innovation Programme will support farmers and facilitate a technological transformation that contributes to sustainable food production for future generations.
Katrina Hayter, Executive Director of Healthy Living and Agriculture at Innovate UK, commended the breadth and quality of innovation within the UK agri-food space. These funding and partnership opportunities bring together farmers, growers, technologists, and researchers to make the UK food system more sustainable and resilient. The winners of the grants have demonstrated their dedication to innovation, and further support will be provided to help develop their projects.
The grants, in conjunction with the government’s flexible and accessible farming schemes, aim to ensure that farmers remain at the core of the rural economy, playing a vital role in supplying food to the nation.
This funding announcement follows the Farm to Fork Summit, during which the UK government unveiled a support package for farming projects, including measures to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and techniques. These measures encompass substantial investment in precision breeding, as enabled by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, and the formation of a working group to collaborate among plant breeders, food manufacturers, and retailers to facilitate the market entry of innovative products.
