Companies can now apply for a share of £2m if they work with Canadian partners to produce new technologies for the improvement of farming technology and productivity.
As the global population is set to hit approximately 9 billion by 2050, the agricultural industry is facing major food security challenges.
The UK and Canada both recognise the economic importance of agriculture and have been collaborating in order to identify areas of mutual interest.
According to the British Government, the Canadian and UK agri-food sectors were valued at C$108.1 billion and £109 billion respectively in 2014.
The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge offers up to £90m to aid businesses who are looking to invest in new data-driven precision agriculture technologies that could transform food production.
According to the UK Government: “UK businesses with Canadian business partners can apply for a share of up to £2 million, from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, for innovative projects that enhance productivity and sustainability of crop, livestock and aquaculture systems.”
Innovate UK, under UK Research and Innovation, has up to £2m from the fund to invest in innovative research and development projects that involve UK businesses working with partners in Canada.
The partner businesses in Canada must be registered as either small or medium sized enterprises, employing fewer than 500 people, and will receive finding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program International.
In order to receive funding, companies must be in line with the project’s aim of transforming the face of food security technology, including the use of data-driven precision approaches and contribution towards a target of net zero agricultural emissions by 2040.
Projects should aim to provide the UK and Canada with new technologies for the agricultural sectors, in either the livestock or aquaculture systems industries.
The competition is now open with a closing event to be held online on 11 February and in Birmingham on 13 February 2020. The competition is due to close on 20 May 2020, if you wish to apply, click here.
