Dame Angela Eagle
Farming Minister
From productivity to profit, innovation is transforming British farming and strengthening our food system and rural economy.
Innovation must be at the heart of food and farming, providing a boost for productivity, creating profitable farms and forming the backbone of a stronger rural economy. This helps farm businesses thrive and protect food security, and also delivers for nature.
That’s why we’re investing record amounts in technology and ideas to shape the next generation of British agriculture, from automation to low-carbon production.
I’ve seen this work firsthand at the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Innovation Hub at Harper Adams University, which brings together partners and organisations to test, trial and commercialise innovation, including developments in automation and robotics, data and sensors and engineering biology.
Putting innovation in farmers’ hands
As part of the groundbreaking Farming Innovation Programme, we’ve put innovation directly into the hands of farmers, helping to ensure it works in real-world conditions and delivers a return on investment.
In West Sussex, firms are harnessing LED lighting, renewable heat and energy storage in high-tech glasshouses to grow British strawberries commercially through winter. Another project: precision breeding to create a tomato enriched with provitamin D₃, to improve nutrition and help tackle vitamin D deficiency. Elsewhere, scientists are turning the humble dandelion into a homegrown source of natural rubber, helping cut dependence on overseas supplies and boosting domestic production.
Our investment is putting Britain at the cutting edge of farming technology.
Turning innovation into income
Our investment is putting Britain at the cutting edge of farming technology. Whether it’s growers extending the British fruit season or livestock farmers adopting digital tools to improve efficiency. Just this month, we launched a free online nutrient management tool to make it easier for farmers and land managers to cut pollution and boost productivity. These technologies help farmers cut costs, boost yields and increase profits.
We’re also cutting red tape and consulting on planning reform so farmers can build the infrastructure they need, from reservoirs and greenhouses to polytunnels and farm shops, without being unnecessarily held back.
With partnership, technology and productivity at its core, we’re building a stronger, more competitive future for British agriculture.
