More than 300 farmers have expressed what they wish to prioritise in a new report by the State of Agricultural Research & Innovation.

The report, which was produced by the Centre for Agricultural Research Impact (Ag.Impact) analysed £1.2 billion of public funding for agricultural research between 2022 and 2026.

The data from this agricultural research investment was compared to the priorities outlined by 600 survey respondents where more than half were farmers.

They found that farmers, researchers and other stakeholders want research to address real farming challenges, have practical applications and involve farmers and growers from the outset.

Ag.Impact aims to strengthen the link between research investment and the needs of farmers and help develop long-term solutions for farming as pressures grow.

Ag.impact found that interdisciplinary and cross-cutting projects account for only around 7% of the funding that was analysed.

Chief executive of Ag.Impact, Prof. Tom MacMillan said research is meant help alleviate farming pressures and offer solutions to challenges.

“This report gives us a clearer picture of where funding is going and how this compares with what people say is needed," he said.

“There are strong foundations to build on, and we can see where changes could make research more beneficial to farming, anticipate future needs and deliver greater public value.”

Scientific research

The report emphasises the role foundational science from specialist institutes and agricultural universities plays.

Forage breeding at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is an example of how sustained research can improve the future of agriculture.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund also represents a major step forward.

The fund allows for farmers to test their own ideas on farm, with research support and results shared to benefit others.

The report recommends building on existing progress through more accessible farmer-centred research programmes; regular foresight into emerging challenges; and reliable long-term funding pathways.

According to MacMillan, the ADOPT funding shows that farmers can be at the centre of research.

Sustained investment as well as continuing practical work is outlined as a need in order to prepare for the future.