£12.5m grants awarded to develop hi-tech ag

Nineteen projects designed to help boost productivity in agriculture through automation and robotics have been awarded a share of £12.5m as part of Defra’s Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition.

The projects include technologies to improve labour efficiency, minimise waste, forecast yields, and navigate automated equipment on farm.

See also: Defra opens £14m funding pot for farm innovation

Farming minister Mark Spencer announced the latest round of funding for agri-tech at the World Agri-Tech Summit on 28 September.

Mr Spencer said: “The government stands firmly behind agri-tech innovation as the cornerstone of modern farming practices.

“By providing opportunities, funding and a supportive ecosystem within the sector, we aim to empower farmers, drive innovation and create a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture across the UK.”

The Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition is run in partnership with Innovate UK and forms part of Defra’s £270m Farming Innovation Programme.

Recipient 

Muddy Machines builds battery-powered field robots and is one of the companies that has been awarded funding.

Chief executive Florian Richter said that obtaining funding to research and develop their technology is essential to be able to progress towards commercial operations.

Katrina Hayter, challenge director at Innovate UK, said: “Robotics and automation are crucial drivers in addressing the challenges posed by a growing global population and the need for sustainable practices in various sectors, including agriculture.

“By fostering innovation and research, we empower our farmers, growers, foresters and businesses to not only enhance productivity and economic growth, but also to lead the way in sustainable practices.”

Defra has also confirmed that a further £15m is being made available for investment in automation and robotics projects.

Farm businesses will soon be able to bid for grants towards solar equipment from an additional £15m funding pot.