Up to £30 million has been awarded to cutting-edge farming projects that will boost food production, move towards net zero and create a more resilient and sustainable farming industry.

Projects announced today include:

• Groundbreaking genetic research projects could reduce livestock methane emissions by 17% per generation and create a reliable UK-grown protein source that could replace soy in human food People.
• Investigations into the use of drones and artificial intelligence to inspect and monitor animals aim to help farmers take action if animals are missing or need attention.
• Attempts to develop biopesticide using fungal strains that help tackle wheat pests and pinpoint genetics to make wheat resistant to slugs.

In addition to the £30 million that will be awarded to more than 50 successful projects from today, the government has also set aside an additional £12.5 million to fund innovative projects that will help bring a new agricultural sector to life. more sustainable, productive and sustainable industries.

The funding is part of the Agricultural Innovation Programme, which is partnered with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and distributed by Innovate UK, which is providing £270 million in pre-funding at the end of the agricultural transition to fund research and development projects to help farmers and growers produce more sustainable food.

Agriculture Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

Future-oriented farmers and innovation are key to driving a sustainable, productive and sustainable agriculture that brings us food while protecting and restoring the environment.

Together with our new farming programs, these grants will help support farmers and pave the way for the technological transformation that enables sustainable food production for generations to come.

Katrina Hayter, Managing Director of Healthy Living and Agriculture of Innovate UK, said:

The competitions once again demonstrate the breadth and quality of innovation in the UK agri-food space.

We are proud to be able to help provide these funding and partnership opportunities to the industry, bringing together farmers, growers, technologists and researchers with the common goal of making the UK’s food system better. UK is more sustainable and resilient.

Whether improving existing production or introducing new foods and techniques, the winners have risen to the challenge of innovation and we look forward to supporting their growth even further.

These grants, along with the government’s new flexible and accessible farming programs, will ensure that farmers remain at the heart of the rural economy and provide us with food.

It follows the Farm to Fork Summit earlier this month, where the government announced a support package for the farming industry, including new measures to ensure the industry stays at the forefront of the adoption of technologies. and new techniques. This includes substantial investment to unlock the potential of precision breeding following royal consent to the Genetic Technology (Precise Breeding) Act and a working group to bring breeders together. Growers, food manufacturers and retailers have come together to agree on a method that allows these products to be available on our store shelves.

£12.5m for new ‘Environmental Resilience on Farm’ competition

The new £12.5m ‘Environmental Resilience’ competition will see farmers and growers apply for up to £1m in project costs to promote drive the development of new technologies and innovative farming methods, with a focus on practical solutions that make real profits. affect the farm.

Projects can find new ways to detect pests, prevent and manage diseases; help farmers reduce fertilizer use; enhance the resilience of the soil; and manage threats from extreme weather and flooding. Projects investigating how gene editing and methods including regenerative cropping can increase crop yields and resilience are also encouraged.

Details on the viability of new competitions can be found online as details for the industry research series of the competition. Businesses registered in the UK will be able to apply until Wednesday, 19 July 2023.