Government funding boosts agri-tech innovation

Government backs 12 farm technology projects with £50 million investment

The UK government has announced £50 million in funding for 12 agri-tech projects designed to improve farm productivity while reducing environmental impact. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Innovate UK are backing technologies that range from biological pest control to forestry tools, with deployment on farms expected to begin in the coming months.

This represents a significant public-private partnership. The government is contributing approximately £8 million, with private investors providing around £42 million. The funding aims to move proven innovations from laboratory testing to commercial use on working farms across the UK.

For businesses in the agricultural supply chain, this signals a shift towards technology-driven farming practices. Companies supplying farms or processing agricultural products may need to adapt to new methods of crop protection and land management as these technologies become more widespread.

Robotics and biological solutions receive majority of funding

The 12 selected projects focus heavily on reducing chemical inputs and labour costs. Robotics, artificial intelligence, and biological crop protection feature prominently among the funded technologies. Nature-based solutions have been prioritised, reflecting government policy on biodiversity and carbon reduction.

Two projects illustrate the practical applications. FA Bio is developing a biopesticide using beneficial fungi to protect wheat and oilseed rape from aphids and cabbage stem flea beetle. This biological approach could reduce reliance on chemical sprays, which face increasing regulatory scrutiny under environmental legislation.

Meanwhile, Rhizocore is working on identifying native fungi that improve tree establishment in forestry and agroforestry systems. Toby Parkes, founder of Rhizocore, stated that the funding will