How Is The UK Government Helping The Agri-Tech Industry?

Agriculture

The UK government has announced a £12.6 million funding initiative to support innovation in agriculture. The funding will be distributed across two competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme, aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in farming.

Funding Competitions

The first competition, “Small Research and Development Partnerships,” will allocate up to £7.8 million for later-stage projects. Opening on Wed, Nov 15, 2023, it targets businesses developing new farming products or services, assisting them in advancing towards market readiness. Eligible projects may focus on farmed animals, plants, novel food systems, agroforestry, or the bioeconomy. Applications are open to UK businesses of all sizes, academic institutions, and other eligible organizations.

The second competition, “Feasibility Studies,” will receive up to £4.8 million for early-stage ideas. It opens on Mon, Oct 13, 2025, and aims to test and develop concepts to determine their potential for larger research projects. Projects can secure between £200,000 and £500,000 in funding and may last up to 24 months. Both competitions are organized in partnership with Innovate UK, the government’s innovation agency.

Impact on Farming

The initiatives are designed to equip farming businesses with practical tools to enhance operations. Supported projects include innovations such as robotic strawberry pickers and early-warning health monitoring systems for cattle. Additionally, technologies like RootWave, which uses electricity to manage weeds without chemical herbicides, have demonstrated cost savings and operational advantages.

According to Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, the goal is to provide farming businesses with the necessary tools to thrive. The funding supports farms in becoming more resilient, productive, and profitable, aligning with the government’s Plan for Change.

Government Support for Agriculture

This £12.6 million investment is part of the New Deal for Farmers, aimed at revitalizing farm business profitability. The government has extended the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for five years, promoted British produce in public procurement, and protected farmers in trade agreements. Currently, nearly £250 million in farming grants support innovation and productivity.

Furthermore, a £200 million National Biosecurity Centre will be established to protect livestock, and Minette Batters, former National Farmers’ Union president, will advise on reforms to increase farm profits. Over the current Parliament, £11.8 billion has been allocated towards sustainable farming and food production.