The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a further £12.5 million in funding for projects on agriculture and horticulture automation and robotics.
Ahead of its launch in January of 2023, Defra has published guidance for the third round of the Farming Futures Research and Development Fund competition, focusing on robotics in agriculture.
Farmers, growers, businesses and researchers are being invited to apply for a share of the £12.5 million grant fund, with grants for projects worth between £500,000 and £1.5 million available.
The aim of the funding is to boost productivity, reduce labour demands and create more sustainable farming practices, the department said.
In partnership with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Defra will match-fund projects which will boost productivity and sustainable farming practices through the development of automation and robotic technologies on-farm.
Previously funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.
Farming minister, Mark Spencer, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for farmers and growers to come together with businesses and researchers to invent ingenious solutions to the problems our agriculture and horticulture sectors face.
“Automation and robotics has huge potential to improve productivity and sustainability and by supporting some of the most promising ideas to get off the ground we are investing in a successful agriculture and horticulture industry for generations to come.”
Katrina Hayter, industrial strategy challenge director at UKRI, said: “Innovation through automation and the use of game-changing technology is one of the central pillars of a future food system in the UK.
“The ability to plan, monitor, alert and review through digital systems brings substantial benefits to farmers and growers – from animal and crop health through to optimising harvest, waste reduction and environmental impact.
“The competition will consider ideas for bringing forward this technology, and also look at how automation can support necessary farm labour, making roles more effective and productive for all involved.”
Applications can be submitted from January 13, 2023, and project leads should be UK-registered businesses of any size while farmers can participate as part of a wider consortium.
