A new report supported by the Technology Strategy Board has been released to guide stakeholders in food production in efficiently meeting future sector challenges.
The report, ‘Feeding the Future’, has been called “game changing” for the agricultural sector.
Addressing the period up to 2030, the report sets outs Britain’s future food production challenges and suggests ways in which public and private sector investment in R&D could be better leveraged to meet these.
Mainly addressing the hurdles faced by primary producers such as farmers and growers, the report responds to government’s foresight report into the future of food and farming, published in January 2011. It’s findings are however, significant for food processors and manufacturers who need to align with and respond to supply chain challenges.
Particularly relevant areas of development to food manufacturers may arise around suggested R&D in protein supply and crop improvement where changes to processing practices may be required according to the report.
Recommendations to advance and improve the uptake of new agricultural technologies also hold implications for manufacturers of agricultural equipment. For instance the report suggests there is a need to refine equipment to be more responsive to the UK’s agricultural environment and to develop interoperability of machinery as well as pre and post farm handling and storage systems for food.
Feed the Future was produced in collaboration by five organisations including the Technology Strategy Board the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the National Farmers’ Union, the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the Agricultural Industries Confederation.
The report defines eight priority areas for innovation in food production through investment in research and development and training to improve competitiveness.
