The view from the UK: Agricultural technology in the UK is to receive a £160m sterling investment following the launch of a new strategy to deliver sustainable and affordable food for future generations, according to the UK Government.
More than £160m sterling will be invested establishing Centres for Agricultural Innovation and an Agri-Tech Catalyst fund to improve the translation of research into practice. The National Farming Union (NFU) believes it is very significant that agricultural science and technology are finally being recognised right across Government as essential to the success of the farming industry and its ability to contribute to the economic growth of the UK.
Developed in partnership with industry, the Agricultural Technologies Strategy will ensure farmers and retailers benefit from the strategy, a statement said.
Breakthroughs in nutrition, informatics, satellite imaging, remote sensing, meteorology and precision farming mean the agriculture sector is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
Agri-tech is a well-established and important UK sector. The entire agri-food supply chain, from agriculture to final retailing and catering, is estimated to contribute £96bn sterling to the economy and employ 3.8 million people.
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