The UK government announces £12.6 million in funding to support farming innovation, including robotic harvesters and livestock health monitoring systems, through two new competitions
The UK government is investing £12.6 million to accelerate innovation across the farming sector. Through two upcoming competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme, this funding will support the development of new technologies aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise UK agriculture, helping farmers tackle challenges from labour shortages to changing market demands, while encouraging pioneering solutions that could transform the way food is produced and managed.
Building resilience in the farming sector
The UK Government has announced two competitions, which will open in autumn 2025.
The Small R&D Partnerships will receive up to £7.8 million for later-stage projects, opening on 15 September. These help businesses develop new farming products or services and move them closer to market. This initiative aims to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience within the farming sector, contributing to the transition towards net-zero emissions.
Projects should focus on addressing significant challenges or opportunities in areas such as farmed animals, plants, novel food production systems, the bioeconomy, and agroforestry. Collaborative efforts are encouraged, with applications open to UK businesses of all sizes, academic institutions, and other eligible organisations.
The competition is designed to foster innovation through partnerships, ensuring that solutions are grounded in practical, real-world applications for farmers, growers, and foresters in England.
Successful projects will contribute to the broader objectives of the Farming Innovation Programme, promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and nature recovery across the agricultural sector.
The UK Government is also launching a Feasibility Studies initiative. This will receive up to £4.8m for early-stage ideas, opening 13 October. These help test and develop new ideas and decide whether to invest in larger R&D projects.
The innovation programmes, delivered in conjunction with Innovate UK, will support agricultural businesses in thriving by investing in new products, processes, and services for the market.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This is about giving farming businesses the tools they need to thrive.
By working with investors to fund and develop new equipment and technology, we are helping farms become more resilient, productive and profitable.
These grants put the Plan for Change into action – supporting farmers to adapt, compete and grow, whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.”
Helping farm businesses return to profitability
The new £12m investment forms part of the Government’s New Deal for Farmers, which aims to help businesses return to profitability.
The UK Government has already extended the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for five years, supported British produce, and protected farmers in trade deals. Nearly £250 million in farming grants is driving innovation and productivity, and new regulations will help supply chains to become fairer.
Further action includes the establishment of a £200 million National Biosecurity Centre to protect livestock, and the appointment of former NFU president Minette Batters to advise on reforms aimed at boosting farm profits.
