Plans to drive innovation and harness pioneering technology in farming will be set out today (Monday, June 13) as part of the government’s Food Strategy.
Currently, the UK only produces 15% of tomatoes supplied domestically, but new generation technology, such as sustainable and efficient glasshouses, has opened up new opportunities for British producers.
The plans outlined today – including incentives for industry and investment in research – will support farmers to harness innovation to boost home-grown fruit and vegetable production, and in turn create new job opportunities across the country.
It commits to broadly maintaining the current level of food produced domestically and boosting production in sectors where there are the biggest opportunities – such as horticulture and seafood.
£270 million will be invested across farming innovation funding programmes until 2029.
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.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“The food industry is bigger than the automotive and aerospace industries combined, offering employment opportunities, apprenticeships and investment in research and development.
“The strategy we are setting out today will increase the focus on skills in the food sector, and the roles and career pathways available.
“In particular, we will seek to boost our horticulture industry and ensure the expertise needed to develop the sector here in the UK.”
