With various big-name tractor manufacturers including John Deere and Case ploughing money into driverless technologies, the UK government has announced a £25m war-chest towards the R&D of autonomous vehicles destined for construction, mining and farming.

The cash injection is part of a £246m venture into developing battery technology in the UK.

“This investment will promote a potential step change in safety and efficiency in the agricultural sector,” says Chris Jackson, head of transport at law firm Burges Salmon.

See also: Canadian arable farmer builds his own driverless tractor for £3,000

He continues: “Benefits of connected and autonomous technologies are already being seen in the agricultural industry and with this investment, the UK can take a leading role in the development of off-road technology.”

After a lot of talk, the UK has yet to fully experience driverless machines in agriculture and this could be the kick-start needed.