UK Government Unveils £45 Million Boost For Farming Innovation To Strengthen Food Security

The UK government has pledged more than £45 million to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the nation’s food security, boost farm profitability, and support sustainable agriculture.

This significant investment forms part of a wider national strategy to increase food production and safeguard the environment by fostering innovation and technological advancement in farming.

New Funding Opportunities

At the heart of the initiative is the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Competition, which opens on 28 April. The competition will distribute up to £20.6 million during the 2025/26 financial year, enabling farmers to trial pioneering technologies directly on their farms.

In addition to testing innovations, participants will have access to bespoke advice and can apply for a £2,500 support grant to assist with application and trial costs.

Two further competitions will open on 5 May under Defra’s flagship Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), delivered by Innovate UK as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI):

• £12.5 million to back collaborative R&D projects aimed at reducing on-farm emissions, thereby making farms more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable.

  
  

• £12.5 million to support research into precision-bred crops—a move designed to improve yields, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and enhance disease resistance. This builds on new possibilities created by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.

The funding will span the entire R&D lifecycle—from early-stage ideas to practical, on-farm trials—ensuring that innovative tools can be rapidly integrated into commercial farming practices.

Real-World Impact

Past government-backed innovation projects have already yielded impressive results. These include the use of AI for early detection of cattle lameness, pest detection systems that cut pesticide use, and sensor technologies to monitor pollinators—all contributing to improved productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Ministerial Support

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner underlined the government's ongoing commitment to its "Plan for Change", stating: “This investment will help farmers boost food production, increase profits, and support the rural economy.”

Driving Food Security Through Innovation

The £45 million package signals a major step forward in the UK’s efforts to strengthen food security, support rural growth, and advance sustainable agriculture.

By empowering farmers with cutting-edge tools and technologies, the government aims to create a resilient, productive, and environmentally responsible food system for the future.

Source: Farming Online