Political uncertainty surrounding Brexit stopping farmers exploring agri-tech

NFU Mutual research showed how technology such as robotic pickers or fitness trackers for cows can increase farm productivity and profitability.

Ali Capper, NFU mutual director and Worcestershire fruit and hop grower, said: “For livestock farmers, technology is offering opportunities to improve breeding programmes, better manage the health and welfare of stock, and match production to the demands of the market.

“Technology can help us reduce production costs, enabling us to compete on world markets.”

But Ms Capper said farmers were putting investment in agri-tech on hold because of the long-running drama in Westminster.

“The Brexit debate, and uncertainty over future agricultural support, has made this an incredibly challenging process for the UK’s farmers,” she added.

Fang Wang, an NFU Mutual business analyst, echoed these concerns.

She said: “Across the world, new agri-technology is set to make a major impact on farm profitability and even world prices.

“In the UK, the adoption of new technology is currently slow because of uncertainty over agricultural policy and support, lack of understanding, shortage of capital and concerns about the reliability of first-generation technology.”