£12.5 Million Investment in Robotics and Automation to Enhance Sustainable Farming

The UK government has announced that 19 groundbreaking projects focusing on the development of automation and robotic technologies will share £12.5 million in funding, as revealed by Farming Minister Mark Spencer on September 28. This initiative adds to the £120 million in total government investment aimed at fostering industry-led research and development in agriculture and horticulture since 2021.

The funded projects, part of the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, encompass various innovative approaches, such as a system that will enhance the prediction and quality of strawberry yields, minimize waste, and refine labor and harvesting schedules. Other initiatives include a state-of-the-art method for digitally mapping and monitoring vineyards using drones, robots, and sensors, as well as a navigation system designed for field-based robotic vehicles to improve precision and ensure safe operation in farm environments.

This funding comes from the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, which is incorporated within Defra’s £270 million Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), managed by Innovate UK. Since its launch in October 2021, the FIP has facilitated 17 competitions that have led to the creation of new sustainable and productive agricultural methods, addressing various issues from pesticide reduction to lowering emissions from livestock. This effort aligns with the commitment made during the Farm to Fork Summit in Downing Street in May to continue producing at least 60% of the food consumed in the UK.

At the World Agri-Tech Summit in London, Farming Minister Mark Spencer emphasized the importance of innovation in building a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector, stating:

Farmers are continually looking ahead, and innovation is essential for fostering a robust, productive, and sustainable agricultural landscape that provides food for our communities.

The government is steadfast in its support for agri-tech innovation, which is crucial to modern farming practices. By facilitating funding and creating a conducive environment within the sector, we aim to empower farmers, inspire innovation, and ensure a sustainable, prosperous future for UK agriculture.

Since 2021, over £120 million has been allocated by the government for research and development initiatives in agriculture and horticulture. At the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit this week, Minister Spencer reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the UK into a leading hub for agri-tech innovation.

The Minister described various competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme that encourage technology investment for enhancing productivity and environmental benefits. These include a £10 million opportunity currently available in the third round of the Small R&D Partnerships competition to support businesses in developing new agricultural products and services, and an additional £4.5 million through the Feasibility Studies Competition to assist businesses and researchers during the testing phase of productivity-enhancing ideas.

Additionally, the Farming Investment Fund is dedicated to financing equipment, technology, and infrastructure improvements, while the newly launched Investor Partnership competition merges government grants with private investments to facilitate growth and scaling for smaller agri-tech businesses.

Florian Richter, CEO of Muddy Machines LTD, stated:

Securing funding for our technology’s research and development is crucial for our journey towards commercial operations.

We feel fortunate to be based in the UK and to benefit from this significant level of government funding support.

Oli Hilbourne, CEO and Co-Founder of Outfield Technologies, expressed:

The VISTA Project exemplifies the effectiveness of UK innovation funding, uniting technology firms, growers, and academic institutions to tackle specific industry challenges.

With the rapid growth of the UK’s wine industry, the VISTA initiative presents an exciting opportunity to set a global benchmark and share our expertise with wine-producing regions around the world. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with UK vineyards to drive productivity improvements.

Dr. Katrina Hayter, Challenge Director of the Transforming Food Production Challenge at Innovate UK, remarked:

Robotics and automation are vital in addressing the challenges posed by an increasing global population and the pressing need for sustainable practices across sectors, including agriculture.

By promoting innovation and research, we equip farmers, growers, foresters, and businesses to enhance productivity and promote economic growth while leading in sustainable practices. These projects reflect our dedication to improving environmental outcomes and reducing carbon emissions, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for our agricultural and horticultural communities.

Building on the commitments made at the Farm to Fork Summit earlier this year, Minister Spencer highlighted opportunities offered by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act to access technologies that can enhance crop productivity and resilience, as well as supporting farmers in attracting investment and generating revenue through nature conservation markets.