April 2018
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This seminar provided an opportunity to discuss the future of farming productivity and agri-tech in the UK, as the Government assesses policy options for a forthcoming Agriculture Bill and begins to put its Industrial Strategy into practice.
The context for discussion was:
- Launch of the 25 Year Environment Plan - with incentives for land managers to use sustainable farming practices and restore natural capital as well as addressing soil health by updating guidance and developing metrics;
- Funding - a £40m grant scheme for cutting edge farm technology and equipment as well as £200m to improve farm productivity and a £60m grant scheme to buy new farming equipment;
- Maintaining environmental standards - announcement of a consultation on a new, independent body;
- The Industrial Strategy white paper - which includes the announcement of the transforming food production programme, which aims to ensure the UK is a leader in advanced sustainable agriculture, along with pledged increases to incentives to encourage investment in sustainable agriculture; and
- Embracing new technologies - Secretary of State’s support for utilising and developing technology through automation and machine learning.
The key areas for discussion were:
- Innovation in farming - partnerships, sustainability and agri-tech implementation
- New agricultural sector partnerships with other industries, in addition to universities; and
- Priorities for Government in supporting knowledge transfer and lessons from countries who are leading innovation and research.
Best practice and new technology
- Facilitating engagement with the sector to encourage innovation, including farmer led innovations, and the sharing of best practice; and
- Smoothing the transition to the utilisation of new technologies, through peer-to-peer learning, including the future of incentives and helping farmers access new technology.
The way forward for sustainable intensification
- Balancing intensification with long-term, environmental challenges; and
- Supporting adaptation in farming practices.
Supporting the sector - investment, infrastructure and skills
- Delivering the Industrial Strategy and addressing the long-term productivity of the agricultural sector - including the role of government;
- Addressing the skills gaps and encouraging young people to apply existing skills to the food and farming industries - collaboration between the sector, education and Government; and
- Delivering changes to education, including careers advice, to educate children about the agricultural sector and to promote engagement in the industry at a young age, particularly for those from a non-farming background;
- Ensuring access to technological developments - looking at infrastructure, improved broadband and additional support.
