Overview

In order to achieve this challenge, innovations must be developed that increase the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of the Welsh agricultural and food supply chains, as well as promote economic benefits and speed up the transition to Net Zero.

Challenge Theme

The £500,000 challenge fund aims to provide funding for feasibility projects that you begin achieving the challenge’s stated goals:

The Challenge style is to foster innovation in the agricultural and food sectors, incorporating new technology on-farm or throughout the wider agri-food supply chain, including manufacturing and production, to support the interests of the ideas described above.

Effective candidates will be awarded R&amp, D agreements to give:

Phase 1: Feasibility: We want to finance up to 10 projects ( inclusive of VAT ) with a value of up to £50, 000 each.

Note: Applications for Phase 1 jobs will be accepted. The results of Phase 1 and the allocation of additional money will determine whether more phases will occur.

The main goal will be to demonstrate the probable scalability and affordability of solutions that can be delivered gradually. Applications for job applications must clearly state how this money will help promote more common growth, outlining any obstacles to implementation, and demonstrating how these will be overcome if they want to expand on previous trials or small-scale tests.

How does answers address the challenges?

Modern alternatives may include ( but not be limited to ):

  • the use of AI in food and beverage companies,
  • activities that deal with land usage and earth,
  • Waste idealisation or minimisation of spare produced at different points across the supply chain, including, but not limited to, on land spend, including animal waste, cheap waste, etc.,
  • the development or adoption of future- or functional foods,
  • enhancing agricultural products ‘ value, and
  • Identification of innovative, alternative production systems.

Out of Scope

  • not clearly demonstrate Wales ‘ involvement in the food and agricultural supply chains.
  • Can’t demonstrate understanding of needs with potential future customers.
  • Fails to consider affordability and practicality of widespread implementation.
  • Fails to consider potential side effects and their mitigations, for example, environmental impacts.

Funding Allocation &amp, Project Details

Current funding of £500, 000 is available to a portfolio of projects – which may be subject to change, dependent upon the number/quality of submissions received.

Project costs must be independently verified and demonstrated. If the volume of the delivery across Wales warrants, we reserve the right to take into account an additional budget for special applications.

To ensure that activity and evidence are collected across Wales on a broad demographic basis, projects will be chosen using a portfolio approach.

Project costs can be claimed for the innovation solution provider and for additional collaborators/subcontractors. However, this should be made clear in the challenge application and include a list of specific roles ( ideally with named individuals for each role ).

Timescales may change, but the project-based approach will be taken into account, and funding will remain the same.

Your application should:

  • involve at least one Welsh-based company in the food or agricultural supply chain.
  • Demonstrate a clear plan for the development of a route to market for affordable, developed solutions,
  • Explain any potential contributions that might be beneficial to the objectives of the Welsh Innovation Strategy, Welsh Agri-Tech Action Plan, Vision for the Food and Drink Industry from 2021, and Welsh 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 of how environmental benefits have been taken into account ( i .e., ensure that increased efficiency does not come at an environmental or ethical cost ),
  • Make sure your personal safety is top of the list, that any risks are clearly identified, and that effective mitigation is in place.
  • Include a complete evaluation following the completion of the project, which should include an economic analysis and a benefits analysis.

On the SBRICOE website, you can find out more and apply.

In our Funding Finder, you can find other open funding calls.