The Welsh government has announced a new agri-tech plan centred on ensuring that the agriculture sector in Wales “fully benefits” from digital technology.
The Agri-Tech Action Plan for Wales sets out a vision to support the sector to be profitable, efficient and sustainable, and exploit the potential of agri-tech through four priorities.
These priorities aim to see an acceleration in agri-tech capabilities, a drive in on-farm adoption of productivity enhancing agri-tech initiatives, deliver environmental benefits and support educational and skills development to fully exploit agri-tech, the Welsh government said.
Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said: “We are living in a digital age and grasping the full benefits of digital technology is vital for the agriculture industry in driving innovation and boosting business.
“The Agri-Tech Action Plan for Wales will be a central point for the sector and support it to take advantage of what digital technology can do for them.”
Farming Connect
The Welsh government said that the work of Farming Connect will be important in supporting the plan and helping farms across Wales adopt agri-tech.
Activities include the Farming Connect demonstration farm network – “Our Farms” – to showcase data and case studies to promote agri-tech.
“The Farming Connect service will work closely with the industry and support it to embrace the positive impact technology can have,” Griffiths said.
Director at Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect with Lantra Wales, Eirwen Williams said: “We have tailored various elements of the Farming Connect programme to offer support to farmers and help them drive business forward.
“Embracing technology is important in doing this.”
