Some £12.5m will be shared among nineteen projects developing robotics and automated technologies to boost productivity, food security and sustainable farming practices, farming minister Mark Spencer has announced.
This brings total government funding announced to fund R&D in agriculture and horticulture to £120m since 2021.
Funded through the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, some of the projects include developing a system to predict and improve strawberry yields, reduce waste and optimise labour; a new system to use drones, robots and sensors to digitally map and monitor vineyards; and a navigation system for field-based robotic vehicles.
Mark Spencer, farming minister, said: “Farmers are always forward-looking, and innovation is key to driving a resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture sector that puts food on our tables.
“The government stands firmly behind agri-tech innovation as the cornerstone of modern farming practices. By providing opportunities, funding and a supportive ecosystem within the sector, we aim to empower farmers, drive innovation and create a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture across the UK.”
This includes £10m that is also on offer through the third round of the Small R&D Partnerships competition to help businesses develop a new farming product, plus a further £4.5m through the Feasibility Studies Competition to support businesses and researchers through the testing phase of an idea.
What’s more, the Farming Investment Fund is investing in equipment, technology and infrastructure. The recently-launched Investor Partnership competition likewise combines government funding with private investment to help smaller agri-tech business to grow.
Dr Katrina Hayter, challenge director, Transforming Food Production Challenge at Innovate UK, said: “Robotics and automation are crucial drivers in addressing the challenges posed by a growing global population and the need for sustainable practices in various sectors, including agriculture.
“By fostering innovation and research, we empower our farmers, growers, foresters and businesses to not only enhance productivity and economic growth but also to lead the way in sustainable practices.”
The first-ever Robotics & Automation Awards will be recognising innovation in the use of robotics and automation in farming applications through the Innovation in Agriculture category. Interested in attending this unmissable event for the robotics and automation sectors? Book your table now!
