BPEX have alerted livestock producers to a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to get a share of the Agritech Centres for Agricultural Innovation funding totalling £90m, but with the added warning that “time is running out for people to get involved”.
The Government-backed fund is available to produce a “game-change” in UK agricultural science and the delivery of that science to producers, according to BPEX. However, the opportunity to participate with other companies in this industry-led initiative has to be finalised by mid-March for the application to be submitted.
“We are looking to develop a final bid from genetics through to product evaluation and food safety for pigs, eggs, poultry, sheep, beef and dairy,” said BPEX’s head of technical, Andrew Knowles.
“This unique opportunity would allow the industry to upgrade existing facilities and invest in essential new equipment to undertake world-class research in the UK to keep the industry ahead of the game.”
Application for a share of this money to create a livestock cventre is being drawn up and expressions of interest have already been sent in and accepted. The application covers pre-competitive on-farm and post farmgate research, succession training in skills for the future and knowledge exchange.
“Our plan also includes networks of applied demonstration and practical replication of trials through networks of the AHDB, vet groups, producer groups and within company trial farms,” said Mr Knowles.
BPEX invite producers to call Andrew Knowles on 07771 911891 or Sam Hoste on 07981 961062 to be part of the offer.