It is the ambition of the Welsh Government to develop a thriving and confident agriculture sector in Wales, that is built around innovation and growth, to rise to the challenges we face and make most of the opportunities available. In July 2025 the Welsh Government published its Sustainable Farming Scheme that outlines the agriculture in Wales will be supported to develop a productive and sustainable farming industry. Innovation will play a key role in delivering this scheme.
This scheme will be run under Contracts for Innovation (previously known as SBRI).
We are seeking innovative solutions which can address the following challenge themes:
- To investigate opportunities for new product development and market opportunities for sheep milk as well as identify solutions to barriers and challenges regarding the potential for farm businesses to diversify into the production of sheep milk.
- Using data such as that derived from LoRaWAN sensors to develop innovative nature based solutions regarding flood, water and soil nutrient management to support communities and agricultural land bringing wider sustainable catchment benefits.
- Losses of nitrogen and phosphorus are detrimentally impacting the water environment across Wales and reducing this pollution is critically important to mitigating the impacts of climate change, as well as improving nutrient circularity within farming, reducing reliance on manufactured fertilisers. This challenge is to explore the potential for buffer zones to address nutrient losses to water through run-off, land drains and soil loss. Projects would also need to address nutrient build-up in the buffer zone itself, to mitigate the risks of long-term losses to the environment.
- Regenerative materials are bio-based materials such as timber, straw or hemp, and/or reclaimed or recycled building materials that are produced and used in ways that have a positive impact on the natural environment and society. Their responsible choice and application can help restore natural resources, enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, and contribute positively to the local economy. Ideas are sought that would allow for use of the materials described above that can be harvested in Wales. Products that would be reincorporated back into soils or used as a growing medium are OUT of scope within this challenge.
Phase 1: Feasibility – We are looking to fund up to 6 projects up to a value of £40,000.00, excluding VAT, each.
Note: Projects successful at phase 1 may 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.
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Any organisation can submit an application, although it is expected that opportunities presented by
SBRI/Contracts For Innovation will be particularly attractive for SMEs. Universities and charities can apply if they can demonstrate a route to market.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 Sustainable Farming Scheme, 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.
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It is the ambition of the Welsh Government to develop a thriving and confident agriculture sector in Wales, that is built around innovation and growth, to rise to the challenges we face and make most of the opportunities available. In July 2025 the Welsh Government published its Sustainable Farming Scheme that outlines the agriculture in Wales will be supported to develop a productive and sustainable farming industry. Innovation will play a key role in delivering this scheme.
In 2023, the Welsh Government published an Innovation Strategy for Wales. Innovation in food and Agri-Food 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.
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Current funding of £200,000, excluding VAT, is available to support 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 adjust the provisional funding allocations, I.e., should additional funding become available or if the scale of the delivery across Wales warrants an increased allocation.
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).
Projects successful at phase 1 may 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.
SBRI competitions involve procurement of R&D services at a fair market value and are not subject to subsidy control criteria that typically apply to grant funding.
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A virtual Briefing Event was held on Monday 8th September. Watch the briefing event recording. Slides can be downloaded at the competition link below.
For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk.
You can also contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Agrifood team for assistance.