Government Unveils ‘Dragons’ Den for Farming’ to Back Innovation Ideas

Farmers and growers across the UK are set to benefit from £12.6 million in new funding, with two fresh competitions backing research and development of innovative solutions aimed at cutting costs, reducing seasonal labour, improving animal health, and tackling wider industry challenges.

The investment comes through two new Farming Innovation Programme competitions – described as a ‘Dragons’ Den for farming’ – and is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The programme builds on previously supported projects such as robotic strawberry pickers and early-warning health systems for cattle, turning pioneering concepts into practical solutions to help farms every day.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This is about giving farming businesses the tools they need to thrive.

"By working with investors to fund and develop new equipment and technology, we are helping farms become more resilient, productive and profitable.

"These grants put the Plan for Change into action – supporting farmers to adapt, compete and grow, whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.”

The two competitions will open this autumn. The Small R&D Partnerships competition, launching on 15 September, will provide up to £7.8 million for later-stage projects, supporting businesses to develop new farming products and services and move them closer to market.

The Feasibility Studies competition, opening on 13 October, will offer up to £4.8 million to help test and develop early-stage ideas and determine whether to invest in larger R&D projects.

The innovation programmes are delivered with Innovate UK, the national innovation agency that helps businesses bring new products, processes, and services to market.

Over this Parliament, the government has committed a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production as part of its New Deal for Farmers. Nearly £250 million in farming grants are already driving innovation and productivity, alongside measures such as extending the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme, backing British produce across the public estate, and introducing new regulations to make supply chains fairer.

Source: Gov.uk