Cutting-edge farming initiatives receive £30 million boost to drive sustainability

The projects receiving a share of the funding pot under the Farming Innovation Programme include:

• Ground-breaking genetics research projects which could reduce methane emissions in cattle by 17% per generation, and produce a reliable UK-grown protein source that can replace soya in human foods
• Investigations into the use of drones and artificial intelligence to inspect and monitor animals to enable farmers to take action should animals go missing or need attention
• Efforts to develop biopesticides using fungal strains that help tackle pests in wheat crops, and to pin-point the genetics for creating slug-resistant wheat

Over 50 innovative projects have been awarded a share of over £18 million so far in the latest rounds of the Farming Innovation Programme, titled Climate Smart Funding, Sustainable Farm-Based Protein Feasibility Round 2 and Research Starter Round 2.

The government has also announced the launch of a new ‘On-Farm Environmental Resilience’ competition which will see £12.5 million awarded to innovative projects aimed at creating a more productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

Farmers and growers have until Wednesday 19th July to apply for up to £1 million in project costs to drive the development of new technology and innovative farming methods, with a focus on practical solutions that make a tangible impact on farms.

Example projects include finding new ways to detect pests and prevent and manage disease; helping farmers to reduce their fertiliser use; boosting soil resilience; and managing threats from extreme weather and flooding.

Projects researching how gene editing and methods including regenerative cropping could boost productivity and crop resilience are also encouraged to apply.

The competition is made up of two strands:

• A feasibility strand, with a focus on identifying emerging solutions to develop innovations in agriculture, forestry and horticulture – further details can be found here
• An industrial research strand, aimed at advancing emerging solutions to new products, processes and services within the sector – further details can be found here

Secretary of State for Agriculture Thérèse Coffey said innovation is a key factor in attaining a resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture sector and the new investment is intended to help the industry rise to the challenge.

“Alongside our new farming schemes, these grants will help to support farmers and pave the way for a technological transformation that will help produce food sustainably for generations to come.”

Katrina Hayter, executive director of Healthy Living and Agriculture of Innovate UK, added: “The competitions once again demonstrate the sheer breadth and quality of innovation within the UK agri-food space.

“We’re proud to be able to help deliver these funding and partnership opportunities to the sector, bringing together farmers, growers, technologists and researchers in a common aim of making the UK food system more sustainable and resilient.

The new grants follow the government’s pledge to launch a new support package for the farming sector, announced at the inaugural Farm to Fork Summit earlier this month.

This includes substantial investment to unlock the potential of precision breeding following royal assent for the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, as well as a working group to bring plant breeders, food manufacturers and retailers together to determine the best approach for presenting these products to British consumers.

To read more about the 50 winning projects awarded funding under the Farming Innovation Programme, visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website here.