This challenge seeks innovations that lead to increased efficiency, productivity and sustainability in Welsh agriculture and agri-food supply chains, delivering environmental benefits and accelerating the transition to Net Zero.
Scope
In 2023, the Welsh Government published an Innovation Strategy for Wales. Innovation in food and Agri-Tech was seen as a key part of Wales’ future economic development within this document. In late 2023, the Welsh Government published an Agri-tech action plan for Wales. The development and adoption of Agri-Tech and Precision Agri-Tech is a strategic area of growth for the Welsh economy and one that the Welsh Government deems requiring of focussed attention and a road map for development. The action plan has four priorities:
- Accelerate Home Grown Welsh Agri-Tech Capabilities.
- Drive on-farm adoption to achieve productivity and efficiencies (incl. Environmental) gains ‘more for less’.
- Deliver environmental benefits and help transition to Net Zero.
- Support educational and skills development to equip future and existing agricultural professionals to exploit Agri-Tech to its fullest.
The Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021 outlines a broad Vision and Mission for the future development of the Food and Drink Industry, and include economic growth and productivity improvement, benefitting people and society with emphasis on fair work and environmental sustainability, and raising the reputation of the Food and Drink industry. Technology and Innovation are identified as a key lever in delivering sustainable growth to the food and drink industry in Wales, and so providing a key market for agricultural produce in Wales.
Food is a key part of the Foundational Economy, and the Foundational Economy objectives are embedded in the Vision, as well as in the policies and strategies from across Welsh Government that will support its delivery such as public health, communities, sustainability, the circular economy, decarbonisation, trade, skills, and tourism. In addition, the activities detailed below support other Welsh Government initiatives such as the Economic Action Plan. The Food Foundation Sector has been defined to cover all parts of the food and drink supply chain.
Challenge Theme
The challenge fund of £500,000 looks to support feasibility projects that can begin to address the stated aims of the challenge:
In order to support the priorities of the plans described above, the Challenge theme is to develop innovation within the agricultural and food sectors, incorporating new technologies on-farm or throughout wider agri-food supply chain including manufacturing and production.
Successful applicants will be awarded R&D contracts to deliver:
Phase 1: Feasibility – We are looking to fund up to 10 projects up to a value of up to £50,000 each (inclusive of VAT).
Note: Projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 and future funding allocation.
The key focus will be on demonstrating the potential affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace.
If project applications are seeking to build upon previous trials/small-scale testing, applications must clearly articulate how this funding will help accelerate more wide-spread development, outlining any previous adoption barriers and demonstrating how these will be addressed.
How can solutions address the challenges?
Innovative solutions could include (but not be limited to): –
- The adoption of AI technologies by agriculture or food and drink businesses,
- Activities relating to soil and land use,
- Waste valorisation or minimisation of waste produced at various points across the supply chain, including, but not limited to, on farm waste, including animal waste, plastic waste, etc.
- The adoption or development of functional or future foods,
- Adding value to agricultural produce and,
- Identification of innovative, alternative production systems.
Out of Scope
- Do not clearly demonstrate engagement with the agricultural and food supply chains within Wales.
- Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.
- Fails to consider affordability & practicality of widespread implementation.
- Fails to consider potential side effects and their mitigations, for example, environmental impacts.
Funding Allocation & Project Details
Current funding of £500,000 is available to a portfolio of projects – which may be subject to change, dependent upon the number/quality of submissions received.
Project costs must be clearly substantiated and value for money demonstrated. We reserve the right to consider an increased budget for exceptional applications if the scale of the delivery across Wales warrants.
Projects will be selected on a portfolio approach to ensure activity and evidence is gathered on a broad demographic basis across Wales.
Project costs can be claimed for the innovation solution provider and for additional collaborators/subcontractors. However, this should be specified within the challenge application with clear roles stated (ideally with named individuals for each role).
Timescales may be subject to change, but this will be considered on a project basis, and funding allocation will remain the same.
Your application should:
· Involve at least one Welsh based business involved in the agricultural or food supply chain.
· Demonstrate a clear plan for the development of a route to market for affordable, developed solutions.
· Explain the potential positive contribution where relevant to the goals of the Innovation Strategy for Wales., Agri-tech action plan for Wales: Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act.
· Consider, and address where necessary, equality, diversity and inclusion aspects across your project, your sector(s) and society.
· Evidence how environmental benefits have been considered (i.e. ensure that increased efficiency is not at an environmental /ethical cost
· Ensure personal safety is paramount and any risks clearly articulated with robust mitigation in place.
· Include a full evaluation following project completion – this should include a benefits analysis and an economic analysis.
Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise.
This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge.
The total funding available for the competition can change and the funders reserve the right to adjust the provisional funding allocations, I.e., should additional funding become available.
The funder also reserves the right to apply a ‘portfolio’ approach to ensure funds are allocated across a broad range of strategic and geographic areas. This may mean that a proposal that scores less than yours may be successful. The portfolio can be spread across a range of:
· scope areas.
· project durations.
· project costs, including demonstrating value for money.
Before you start
By submitting an application, you agree to the terms of the draft contract which is available within the supporting information of the challenge (‘Helpful Links and Docs). The terms of the contract are non-negotiable and are included in the draft contract.
The final contract will include any milestones you have agreed with the funding authority and will be sent to you if your application is successful. The contract is binding once it is returned by you and signed by both parties.
As the applicant you are responsible for:
· collecting the information for your application
· representing your organisation in leading the project if your application is successful
Briefing Event
To register for the virtual Briefing Event, to be held on Tuesday 12th November, at 10:00am, please follow the link below:
SBRI Challenge Agri-Food Tech Briefing Event
Application Process
Directions on how to enter this competition can be found via: Agri-Food Technology Challenge Fund | SBRI Centre of Excellence (simplydo.co.uk)
KEY DATES
|
Open date |
4th November |
|
Briefing event |
12th November |
|
Close date |
29th November |
|
Shortlist agreed & Suppliers notified |
6th December |
|
Meet and Greet with Suppliers’ |
W/C 9th December |
|
Decision Release |
11th December |
|
Phase 1 contracts awarded |
W/C 16 December |
|
Projects Commence |
January 2025 |
|
Projects Complete |
March 2025 |
|
Final Report Submission Deadline |
March 2025 |
(Dates may be subject to change)
Appendix 1 – Policy Context
Welsh Government Agri-tech action plan for Wales.
Sustainable Farming Scheme – Keeping farmers farming (gov.wales)
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: the essentials [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Wales innovates: creating a stronger, fairer, greener wales (gov.wales)
Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021
Welsh Government Foundational Economy,
Welsh Government Economic Action Plan.
Application Deadline: 29th November 2024