Government pledges £45m to boost tech in agriculture

Experts welcome the investment but have concerns about “pushing for higher yields at all costs” as well as the risk that funds will only benefit larger businesses

The government has announced funding of £45.6million to accelerate technological advances that could boost the country’s food security.

The money comes in the form of three competitions. The first is via the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) scheme, under which farmers can apply for a £2,500 grant to test new technologies on their farms.

The remaining two are part of the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). One will look for ways to reduce on-farm emissions and the second will fund research projects around ‘precision-bred’ crops with greater yield and enhanced disease resistance.

Daniel Zeichner, Farming Minister said: “Former winners have used funds to develop AI systems to monitor livestock and crop health, or laser sensors to measure emissions. Others have used advanced robotics to pick our produce, or atmospheric compounds to convert nitrogen pollution to plant-food. 

“Each project helps farmers make informed, real-world decisions to restore nature and make our food system more affordable, plentiful, and profitable. These grants form part of our £5 billion commitment to farming.” 

Tim Benton, Professor of Population Ecology, University of Leeds, said: “We are dangerously close to passing 1.5 degrees of climate change, with the possibility of 2(+) by mid-century. Ensuring future food security requires juggling trade — which may become more unreliable — with adapting to a changing climate at home, changing market drivers and the urgent need to mitigate emissions to reduce future problems. 

“The new investment in agriculture is welcome, but perhaps too little relative to the overall needs to transform our food system…and provide UK food security.” 

“The new investment in agriculture is welcome, but perhaps too little relative to the overall needs to transform our food system to build resilience, reduce environmental impacts and provide UK food security.” 

Erik Millstone, Emeritus Professor at the Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, also welcomed the funding, but took issue with the term ‘precision breeding’. He said: “Gene editing is not a type of breeding nor is it precise. The government might be right in that it ‘could’ increase crops yields and reduce pesticide use, but that may not be industry’s most profitable options. 

“It may well also not be risk-free, so not requiring safety testing, labelling or traceability is either brave or reckless.” 

Dr Charlie Taverner, Farming Futures Policy Lead, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission also added a warning. He said: “It’s right that the government is investing in new technology and innovative practices. But it’s crucial that these innovations don’t just benefit the biggest agribusinesses and financial interests who are profiting from the push for higher yields at all costs.

“The innovations we need most are those that support more regenerative practices, encourage nature to flourish alongside food production, and can be accessed affordably by all farming businesses, not just the largest operators. 

“It would be good to see the funds targeted at projects that generate value for communities and small firms, and help build a healthier, fairer and more resilient food system that works for the benefit of all.”