Defra Secretary Michael Gove has opened a £40 million grants scheme for investment in farm technology and equipment.
Farmers will get a £40 million productivity boost, it has been announced on Monday (30 October).
Mr Gove has opened the new grants scheme for investment in cutting edge technology and new equipment.
Speaking at the 2017 World Dairy Summit in Belfast, Mr Gove invited farmers and food processors to apply for grants under the Countryside Productivity scheme.
Under the scheme, grants are available to help livestock, dairy, arable and horticultural farmers improve farm productivity through investing in new technology, such as robotics, to reduce cost or improve product quality.
The funding can be used on diverse investments, from robotic milking machines to green technology.
The scheme also offers funds for farmers and food processors to invest in new equipment and machinery to improve the processing of milk, meat and fruit.
Mr Gove said: "This new funding is a wonderful opportunity for our farmers and food processors to invest in the technology they need to boost productivity, competition and, of course, sustainability as a key factor in future proofing our world leading food and farming industry."
It comes as news that a report highlighted how 'smart farming' and technological advances can be embraced in order to support the growing human population.
Another separate report explained how agricultural robotics will become a $12bn industry by 2027.
