‘Huge potential’ for UK agritech sector

Agritech worth £13bn to economy

Farmers need more support to harness the benefits offered by agri-technology and innovation, says a report.

While six in ten farmers plan to adopt technological innovations, they are not being provided with the support needed, despite its potential to improve productivity and bottom lines, says the study by Barclays bank.

The report highlights key barriers slowing the adoption of such transformative technologies. Financial challenges coupled with perceived lack of government support are among the primary obstacles.

Almost half (45%) of farmers surveyed cited an unclear return on investment and extensive upfront costs (41%) as key financial barriers, followed by a lack of knowledge on how best to use the technologies (24%).

New technology

Agritech is worth an estimated £13bn to the UK economy. Against a challenging political backdrop, farmers felt there was more that the government could do which would help them adopt new technology.This included clarity around long-term government policies (71%), more support and guidance on sustainable farming practices (48%) and overall support for and promotion of UK farming (48%).

The report draws on insights and interviews with farmers and agritech companies. It highlights the risk the UK could face in falling behind other countries if it can’t get the supporting supply chain and ecosystem aligned.

One company executive said: “What I’m seeing in continental Europe is a real joined up approach from farmer to manufacturer, universities are involved. I don’t see that in the UK – in fact, I’ve seen the reverse.”

‘Critical industry’

Barclays is calling on the government to address the barriers faced by farmers – and spearhead the development and adoption of what it describes as the UK’s critical gri-tech industry.

The bank wants the government to develop and communicate a clear national strategy for the agricultural transition to a more sustainable farming sector, clearly setting out the role agritech can play.

It says the government should provide broad financial support for both agritech development and adoption, including guarantees and deploying targeted support via the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank.

Barclays also wants the now-combined UK Agritech Centre to bring together stakeholders from across the sector to enable better collaboration – as well as developing a dedicated agritech skills programme.

Barclays managing director for business banking Abdul Qureshi said: “Agritech will transform the UK’s farming landscape. From drones and artificial intelligence to robotics, Agritech is supercharging an industry that feeds us all.

Mr Qureshi added: “We recognise it will take a collective effort to create the right enabling environment but, if we get this right, Agritech can help our farmers play a meaningful role in both protecting and driving forward one of Britain’s most vital sectors.”

Award for Agri-Robotics project

Experts in agri-robotics at Lincoln University have won a major award for reducing food waste.

The Lincoln Agri-Robotics team were announced as winners of the Best Research Project (Impact) at the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub 2025 AI & Robotics Research Awards, held at The Royal Society in London last night (12 March 2025).

The research and innovation of Lincoln Agri-Robotics has already led to major steps forward in agriculture such as the reduction of food waste, the easing of labour shortages and the shaping of national policy relating to the use of automation in agri-food.

Elizabeth Sklar, director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology said: “At Lincoln Agri-Robotics we focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of agri-food and technology.

“It is especially meaningful for us to be recognised by the AI & robotics community, which has traditionally focused on application areas such as medical robotics and autonomous vehicles.

“This award highlights rising attention on agri-food as a critical challenge for society and the many opportunities where intelligent technologies can help address key issues.”