Farmers and growers across the UK will benefit from £12.6 million
in new funding, with two fresh competitions backing research and
development of innovative solutions that best cut costs, reduce
seasonal labour, improve animal health, and tackle wider industry
challenges.
Backed through two new Farming Innovation Programme competitions
– a ‘Dragons Den for farming' – our funding delivered in
partnership with Innovate UK will build on previously funded
ideas like robotic strawberry pickers and early-warning health
systems for cattle; practical solutions to challenges faced on
farms every day.
Farming Minister said:
This is about giving farming businesses the tools they need to
thrive.
By working with investors to fund and develop new equipment and
technology, we are helping farms become more resilient,
productive and profitable.
These grants put the Plan for Change into action – supporting
farmers to adapt, compete and grow, whatever challenges and
opportunities lie ahead.”
The competitions open this autumn:
-
Small
R&D Partnerships: Up to £7.8m for later-stage
projects, opening 15 September. These help businesses develop
new farming products or services and move them closer to
market.
-
Feasibility Studies: Up to £4.8m for early-stage ideas,
opening 13 October. These help test and develop new ideas and
decide whether to invest in larger R&D projects.
The innovation programmes are delivered in partnership with
Innovate UK, which is the UK's innovation agency, supporting
businesses to develop and bring new products, processes, and
services to market.
Over this Parliament, the government has allocated a record £11.8
billion to sustainable farming and food production.
This investment underpins the Government's New Deal for Farmers,
supporting growth and helping farm businesses return to
profitability. We have already extended the Seasonal Worker Visa
Scheme for five years, backed British produce across the public
estate, and protected farmers in trade deals. Nearly £250 million
in farming grants are driving innovation and productivity, while
new regulations will make supply chains fairer.
Further action includes a £200 million National Biosecurity
Centre to protect livestock, and the appointment of former NFU
president to advise on reforms to
boost farm profits.
