Tech and innovation drive to increase food production

The Government has set out plans to drive innovation and harness pioneering technology in farming as part of its Food Strategy, in the hopes to back farmers by helping to increase domestic production.

Currently, the UK only produces 15% of tomatoes supplied domestically. However, new generation technology, such as sustainable and efficient glasshouses, has opened up new opportunities for British producers which will help to reduce reliance on overseas production.

The plans include incentives for industry and investment in research to support farmers and boost home-grown fruit and vegetable production, and in turn, create new job opportunities.

£270 million will be invested across farming innovation funding programmes until 2029. This will unlock technologies to drive sustainable farming techniques which will help increase productivity and profitability and the sector’s long-term resilience.

As well as creating job opportunities, the strategy also sets out plans to create a new professional body for the farming and growing industry, to step up professional training and develop clear career pathways. This will equip people and businesses with the skills needed to run sustainable and profitable businesses.

See: Tech and innovation drive to boost food production and back British farmers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)