How can innovation boost productivity to transform and future proof the food and farming system in ways that are sustainable and resilient; including the use of agritech, robotics, and automation to drive change and enable food and farming sectors to compete globally?

Background

We need research to develop a world-leading resilient food and farming system which enables the sector to grow and be more productive sustainably. Research and innovation will help champion trade of British food, produced to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards, in global markets. It will also maintain food safety, providing consumers with healthy, sustainable and affordable food choices.

Next steps

Get in touch with [email protected]

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DEFRA Research and innovation interests GOVUK

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Co-ordinated technology development to provide an optimised and integrated system of leading vertical farming technologies

    "Vertical farming (VF) has the potential to revolutionise food production. The industry is experiencing enormous growth, propelled by the increased demand for pesticide-free foods, rising global populations, decreas...

    Funded by: ISCF

    Lead research organisation: LARCH FOUNDRY LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on developing vertical farming technologies to boost productivity in a sustainable and resilient manner, aligning with the question's objectives.

  • IKnowFood: Integrating Knowledge for Food Systems Resilience

    In this project we will support individuals and organisations across the food system to develop their knowledge of resilience. Producers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, policy makers and consumers will all have to...

    Funded by: BBSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of York

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project aims to integrate knowledge for food systems resilience, which is relevant to the question but does not directly address innovation, agritech, robotics, and automation.

  • Progressive Agri-Robotics Regulatory Network

    This proposal builds on the work of the Regulatory Horizon Council, summarised in their 2023 report _Unlocking the potential of robotics in Agriculture and Horticulture,_ and follows the Government's Food Strategy (2022)...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: UK AGRI-TECH CENTRE LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project specifically focuses on agri-robotics and regulatory science to boost productivity in the food and farming system, aligning with the question's emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

  • Hybrid Advanced Research Vertical-Farming Environment Systems and Technology (HARVEST)

    The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of global food supply chains. Countries urgently seek a healthy, base level of food security and self-sufficiency at a time when agricultural land is depleted, t...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: LARCH FOUNDRY LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    Addresses the need for innovation in food and farming systems, specifically focusing on agritech and automation to drive change and competitiveness globally.

  • sustAInable: AI-Driven Research for Sustainable Agri-Food Futures

    This proposal investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping scientific research within sustainable agri-food systems, focusing on workforce transformation and AI adoption across sectors. AI holds transformat...

    Funded by: ESRC

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF READING

  • Sustainable Food Production System

    The United Kingdom aims to reach carbon neutral target by 2050, and all sectors have started planning and implementing strategies to achieve this goal. The food production industry is responsible for approximately 26% of...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: BRITS ENERGY LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    Focuses on sustainable food production using Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) system to achieve zero-carbon products and address climate change challenges.

  • Sustainable Food Production System

    The United Kingdom aims to reach its carbon neutral target by 2050, and all sectors have started planning and implementing strategies to achieve this goal. The food production industry is responsible for approximately 26...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: BRITS ENERGY LIMITED

  • 2022 KIC's activities Innovation, Business Creation, Education Governance and Outreach, HEI

    The food system is facing great challenges in feeding a growing population with sustainable, safe and healthy food with trust and fairness. Universities have a responsibility to work in partnership with government, indus...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST

  • Flexifarm - Improving the Resilience of the Food System

    FlexiFarm is a project aiming to increase the resilience of the important first link in the global food chain, primary growers. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need through empty shelves, shortages of food item...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: DIOMETER LIMITED

  • University of Reading and Waitrose Limited KTP 23_24 R5

    To enhance environmental and financial farm sustainability by developing a programme of change rooted in Regenerative Agriculture, transforming how we produce food. This will be a crucial response to climate change and b...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: THE UNIVERSITY OF READING