A new fund is offering cash to support ‘agri-tech’ research, development and innovation.

The Agri-tech Cornwall Project (ACP) is a three-year, £10m initiative designed to fast-track the creation of new products, processes and services, and it’s on the lookout for proposals to support.

There are innovation grants from £2,500 to £50,000 for smaller projects available, salary subsidies of up to £2,250 over nine months to support a placement programme and free participation in larger research, development and innovation projects with the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Rothamsted Research and the Rural Business School.

Businesses in the land-based sector, along with the ancillary industries, food firms, educational establishments and research centres could all be eligible for money if their ideas will lead to new products and services for agriculture and drive the emerging agri-tech sector.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, with match-funding from Cornwall Council and research partners, the project is already supporting a diverse range of activities, everything from a project designing robots to help with harvest cauliflowers to an app offering farmers advice on making the most of their manure.

“Cornwall’s strong agricultural heritage and culture, combined with exceptional rural internet capabilities and R&D facilities, make it an ideal location for innovators and developers in tech-led agriculture,” says ACP director, Robin Jackson.

“The countryside is alive with ideas – so if you’ve had a ‘Eureka’ moment or have been working in isolation on a project, we might be able to help you make it a reality.

“We will support ambitious small and medium-sized companies in Cornwall to develop innovations to improve efficiency, profitability and resilience in the agricultural sector – whether that’s in the field, on the moor, in the forest or on the shore.

“ACP will help harness the pioneering thinking of the region’s scientists, business community and rural entrepreneurs, kickstarting new ventures and supply chains, the legacy of which will bring economic and social benefits long into the future.

“We’re already backing a range of projects that could change the way we farm in the South West and potentially have national or global ramifications – helping farmers use phosphorus fertiliser in a more profitable and environmentally friendly way, harvesting sea and coastal plants, and ‘making’ soil, to name just three.

“In addition to playing its part in helping to feed the growing world population in a sustainable way, the initiative will help cement the reputation of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as places where cutting-edge technology is put to use in a host of real-world applications."

More information can be found at www.agritechcornwall.co.uk