Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena has today (Tuesday, October 11) announced £12.5 million in funding for automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme.
This funding will be used to kickstart efforts to grow the horticulture sector and boost domestic production of fruits and vegetables.
It adds to the £70 million spent already on industry-led research and development.
The fund opens in January with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and will match-fund projects that will drive economic growth, food security and deliver on environmental commitments, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Previously funded projects have included fruit-scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertilisers.
High-tech horticulture
Glasshouse growing, a formed of controlled environment horticulture, has economic, food security and sustainability benefits, but the sector currently represents only 10% of English horticultural businesses, according to Defra.
This means that the UK only grows 25% of the cucumbers and 17% of the tomatoes supplied domestically. However, businesses operating this model are reaping benefits – from extended growing seasons, efficient water usage and higher yields/m2.
“We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment,” Jayawardena said.
“Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further.
“We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production, which is why I am bringing in expert advice and match-funding robotics and automaton projects.”
Jayawardena said that technology offers opportunities for making farming “greener” and more productive.
The Netherlands
Jayawardena visited the Netherlands last week to learn more about high-tech greenhouse and vertical growing approaches.
He toured a robotics institute and a glasshouse business which uses artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and water neutral systems to grow produce.
Speaking about his visit on Twitter, Jayawardena said: “I’ve been to the Netherlands to see their impressive glasshouses and vertical farms in action.
“This technology can unleash the potential of British farming and growers, which is why I’m putting an extra £12.5 million behind it today.”
Jayawardena also announced that he plans to appoint an industry expert to work with him and colleagues across the edible and ornamental sectors to build a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities in Controlled Environment Horticulture.
They will provide Jayawardena with a set of recommendations and policy interventions that the government can implement both immediately and longer term.
Defra will announce the individual appointed later this year.
Later this year, the Environment secretary will put forward details of plans on how the UK will increase food security whilst strengthening the resilience and role of farmers as stewards of the British countryside.
