The new government strategy is set to make the UK become a world leader in agricultural science and technology, and will also help the sector meet the challenges of global demand for food, as well as land, water and energy shortages.
Breakthroughs in nutrition, informatics, satellite imaging, remote sensing, meteorology and precision farming mean the agriculture sector is one the world’s fastest growing sectors.
Developed in partnership with industry, the Agricultural Technologies Strategy will ensure that farmers, retailers, cooks and shoppers will be able to share the benefits to be had through these breakthroughs.
Centres for agricultural innovation will receive £90m, while £70m will go to projects that “bridge the gap between the lab and the market”.
The food supply chain, from farming through to catering and retailing, contributes £96bn to the economy and employs 3.8 million people, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
It says that currently not enough of Britain’s research is being commercialised, so farmers and food manufacturers are unable to take advantage of gains that new technology might offer. Defra minister for science Lord De Mauley said: “We face a global challenge to feed the rapidly increasing population in a way which is affordable and sustainable.
“We are investing in technologies that will enable British farmers to meet these challenges and take advantage of the growing demand in export markets for British food.”