Key Takeaways
- Nine innovative projects in the Mid and North Wales region have received a total of £400,000 in funding from Innovate UK.
- The funding will enhance sustainability and innovation in the agri-tech and food-tech sectors, benefiting local economies.
- Successful projects incorporate a range of advancements from sustainable mushroom production to renewable energy solutions in dairy farming.
Funding for Agricultural Innovation in Wales
Innovate UK has announced funding amounting to £400,000 for nine pioneering projects in the Mid and North Wales region, aimed at advancing agri-tech and food technology. This financial support is intended to foster innovation, improve sustainability, and bolster the region’s leadership in these sectors.
Among the funded initiatives, Yr Ardd Fadarch Eryri (The Snowdonia Mushroom Garden) seeks to create a nutritious mushroom-based vegan jerky to promote healthy snacking while addressing public health concerns. Pant Du plans to produce a Welsh heritage apple cider vinegar that leverages surplus cider and supports wellness through its enhanced health benefits.
Pasture Farming Ltd will introduce Tirlun.ai, a mobile Learning Management System to modernize farm training, enabling customized instructional videos for farmers to boost productivity and skills. Tyn yr Onnen Farm aims to streamline mushroom production by developing automated block-making processes, catering to rising demand in the market while aiding small-scale growers.
Bionerg Ltd is focused on improving soil fertility and crop yields for sheep farmers by utilizing locally produced biochar as a cost-effective alternative to traditional fertilizers. Meanwhile, UK Hospitality Solutions Ltd (Sheeps and Leeks) intends to create sustainable ready meals from local produce, leveraging eco-friendly practices and processing methods.
Dyfi Dairy Ltd is working on a renewable energy-powered mobile milking parlour aimed at enhancing rotational grazing in upland farming. This initiative will support biodiversity and animal welfare while aiding the dairy industry’s carbon neutrality goals. LanoTech Ltd is researching lanolin as a sustainable fat source for animal feed, which could reduce reliance on imports and increase food security.
Finally, Ymchwil Tetrim Research (YTR) is set to optimize ginger processing to explore innovative culinary applications for ginger juice.
Barbara Green, Project Manager for the Agri-Tech and Food Cluster Management Organisation, emphasized the transformative potential of these projects for the economy and community in the region. Louise Jones from Innovate UK reiterated the importance of innovation to address challenges in agriculture and food production, anticipating positive impacts from the funded initiatives.
Over the next two years, the Cluster Management Organisation will facilitate activities to promote further funding opportunities. Interested businesses can learn more about joining the Agri-Food or Food Technology clusters and accessing future funding through the Growing Mid Wales website. Elliw Hughes from Ambition North Wales expressed enthusiasm for the quality and innovation reflected in the selected projects.
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