Agri-Tech is officially recognized within the government’s newly announced industrial strategy amid a major victory for the UK’s agricultural sector.
The 10-year strategy nominates Agri-Tech and precision breeding as core areas of focus. This is a move that promises a great opportunity for farmers to promote productivity.
Released Monday (June 23), the strategy outlines a series of policy initiatives, including reducing energy costs and promoting drug approval.
Importantly, it shows the government’s intention to prioritize the fastest-growing third of the economy.
Creative industry, life sciences, clean energy, defense, financial services and professional services are also named core areas of focus.
With Agri-Tech now included, the agricultural sector is ready to play an even greater role in providing economic value, work and environmental advancements.
As part of the plan, the government will allocate £200 million to the Agricultural Innovation Programme (FIP) between now and 2030, providing target funding to promote agricultural innovation.
Additionally, the new Agri-Tech Export Accelerator program will help high-growth farmers identify the best international market for their products.
The Agricultural Strategy announces the meaning of agriculture, and Minister of Agriculture Daniel Zeichner said:
“We can not only create jobs, strengthen economic resilience and ensure food security is maintained, but we can increase the benefits of farmers and growers through innovation.”
Industry groups have engaged with key sectors such as the Ministry of Business and Trade (DBT) to ensure that agriculture is intensively lobbying for inclusion in the strategy and that the sector is not overlooked.
NFU vice president David Exwood has repeatedly said that since winning the election almost a year ago, the government has repeatedly wanted to grow.
“As the backbone of the food industry, the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, agriculture is in a great position to contribute to this.
“With proper investment, agriculture can be a key driver in future growth, which is why we have been working hard to include it in our industrial strategy.”
Exwood also said the NFU’s growth blueprint will provide specific proposals to help the government achieve its objectives and will be submitted as part of the next step.
He added: “The focus on agricultural technology should help farming businesses become more productive, sustainable, resilient and ultimately provide more to the growth ambitions of the UK people and government.”
