Growers and agri-tech companies can now apply for funding designed to fast-track field robots and help ease seasonal worker shortages
Growers and agri-tech companies can bid for a share of a £20 million government fund earmarked to fast-track field robots that can plant, tend and harvest crops.
The funding, which was announced by farming minister Stephen Morgan yesterday (3 August), is part of the Farming Innovation Programme, which was boosted by £53 mn by Defra secretary Emma Reynolds earlier this year.
It’s designed to fast-track tech that can do everything from planting seeds to picking fruit, to help ease pressure on farms struggling to source seasonal workers, the government said.
“This funding will help put cutting-edge robots and technology into their hands, easing that burden while boosting yields and profits,” said Morgan.
“It’s a vote of confidence in British ingenuity, and a big step towards the kind of modern, resilient farming we set out in our Farming Roadmap.”
The new programme will build on pilots by companies such as Fieldwork Robotics, which is using government funding to improve its raspberry-picking robot to become tougher and more reliable ahead of a full commercial roll-out.
Head of Agrifood at Innovate UK, Chris Danks, said: “Robotics and automation are becoming increasingly important tools to help farmers improve productivity and build more resilient businesses.
“This competition will help accelerate innovations from concept to on-farm application, supporting solutions that can improve productivity, sustainability and resilience across the sector.”
Applications, which can be placed through the Innovation Funding Service website, are eligible from a wider pool than a previous round in 2023.
Companies or projects from the ornamental plant propagation, growing and monitoring sectors, as well as forestry projects, tree nursery and planting operations, and woodland monitoring and management systems, all now qualify.
Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the programme is part of a government pledge to invest at least £200 million in farming innovation by 2030.
