Local boffins laying down foundations for UK agri-robots

UNIVERSITY RECOGNISED FOR ITS CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE AND RESEARCH

- BY OLIVER CASTLE Local Democracy Reporter

LINCOLNSHIRE'S leading role in the agri-food industry has been recognised in a major blueprint for national economic growth.

The county has been listed within the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan of the Government's new Industrial Strategy - which aims to 'unleash' potential of city regions and clusters across a range of high-growth industries.

The University of Lincoln is internationally recognised for its leadership in agri-robotic innovation, controlled environment agriculture and research commercialisation. Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), Professor Simon Pearson, said: "This is a defining moment for agri-tech innovation in the UK, and we strongly welcome the Government's recognition that robotics and agri-technology are vital to the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of the UK food systems.