Enabling sustainable and resilient farming
Effective nutrient management is vital for farmers and growers as it can significantly boost productivity while minimising environmental impact.
By maximising the efficiency of nutrient use, farmers can achieve better crop growth and yields, ultimately improving their bottom line.
At the same time, effective nutrient management practices help protect soil and water quality by reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and erosion. This not only benefits farmers by ensuring the long-term sustainability of their operations but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.
Funding opportunity
The £15 million ‘farming futures research and development fund nutrient management‘ competition is offering funding. This will develop solutions which address the challenges related to nutrient management in soils and water associated with agricultural livestock and crop production.
The funding opportunity will open on 29 May 2024, with funding for both feasibility studies and industrial research projects.
Projects should develop technologies that can be readily adopted by English farmers and growers to improve their nutrient management.
The funding comes from Defra as part of the Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK.
Fostering growth and sustainability
Dr Stella Peace, Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, said:
The support from the Farming Innovation Programme not only fuels innovation and productivity but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding our environment.
With sufficient resources, farmers can adopt cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, driving productivity while minimising environmental impact. By investing in our agricultural sector, we not only ensure the prosperity of our farmers but also pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Top image: Credit: SolStock, E+ via Getty Images
