£160m investment in agricultural science and technology

The Government has unveiled a new package aimed at boosting agricultural science and technology and backed by a £160 million investment from the public purse.

Industry is also expected to invest heavily in the scheme which aims to make the UK a world leader in addressing global food security issues.

Agri-tech is a well-established sector in the UK and the entire agri-food supply chain, from agriculture to final retailing and catering, is estimated to contribute £96 billion to the economy and employ 3.8 million people.

Developed in partnership with industry, the Agricultural Technologies Strategy will focus on cutting-edge projects such as taking innovative products like cancer-fighting broccoli from the field to the shopping aisle.

Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, comments: “Some of the biggest brands in farming and food are based in the UK. We have a world class science and research community and our institutes and universities are at the forefront of agricultural research.

“To get ahead in the global race, this strategy sets out how we can ensure that we turn our world-beating agricultural science and research into world-beating products and services.”