The Government has announced a £21.5m investment in funding to support 15 innovation projects across England to help farmers reduce emissions and boost productivity.

The scheme was created in collaboration with Innovate UK and aims to move research into practical tools which farmers can use.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Innovation is central to a more productive, resilient farming sector.

“This funding will back new ideas farmers can use on the ground to cut methane and fertiliser-related emissions, strengthen crop resilience, and improve nutrition. It’s part of our Plan for Change to support rural growth and long-term food security.”

Some of the projects involved include using precision breeding to create tomatoes with added provitamin D to help address vitamin D deficiency.

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Another farming project is the use of low-emissions fertilisers for dairy, which replaces 50% of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser with eco-friendly alternatives to lower the environmental impact and improve soil health.

The UK Government will also back climate-resilient industrial hemp, which is able to grow in poorer land and harsher climates, which can offer new income streams for less productive farmland.

Dr Stella Peace, managing director at Innovate UK, said: “Working alongside Defra, Innovate UK is ensuring precision breeding and low emission technologies move swiftly from research into real‑world use, enabling farmers and agri‑businesses to grow, compete, and unlock new economic opportunities across the UK’s food and farming sector.”

This move builds on the Government’s commitment to invest at least £200m in agricultural innovation by 2030.