Environment Secretary George Eustice has announced further funding for research projects that will help boost farmers’ businesses and help improve the environmental impact of farming.
The recent Food Strategy committed to spend £270 million on research and development in the Farming Innovation Programme up to 2029.
This programme is designed to bring together farmers, growers, businesses and researchers for collaborative, industry-led research and development.
The Environment Secretary confirmed that in July, £12.5 million from the Farming Innovation Programme will be set aside for research and development focused on ‘”sustainable farm-based proteins“.
In partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this funding will be made available for farmers, growers, businesses and academics to collaborate on projects that seek to improve the efficiency and sustainability of farm-based protein production.
Speaking at a farm visit in Cornwall, Eustice said:
“Improving farm profitability and tackling environmental challenges requires us to allow the natural cycle of life to operate fully.
“Rather than seeing farm wastes like slurry as a problem and a cost, we need to start recognising that they are actually a resource that could be monetised to boost farm incomes.
“Cornwall has a long history of pioneering new technology and it is at the forefront of new approaches that could revolutionise the way we manage farm yard manure to create a new income stream for farmers and generate a green fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
Speaking about the food strategy, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Our Food Strategy sets out a blueprint for how we will back farmers, boost British industry and help protect people against the impacts of future economic shocks by safeguarding our food security.
“Harnessing new technologies and innovation, we will grow and eat more of our own food – unlocking jobs across the country and growing the economy, which in turn will ultimately help to reduce pressure on prices.”
