Farmers urged to lead health push

British farmers could play a key role in promoting better public health by adapting to recent radical changes in diet with a move towards growing health foods, says a rural policy expert.

YORKSHIRE ACADEMICS are teaming up with the farming industry to devise and test new technological ways of making agriculture more efficient and productive.

The University of Leeds will use its existing commercial farm to underpin its research as part of its new Smart Agri-Systems initiative. The facility will be transformed into a “smart farm” by acting as a test-bed for commercial applications of new technology.

Ultimately, the university wants to offer practical solutions to agricultural businesses which need support to expand or meet challenges, from on-farm sensors attached to robots to monitor soil conditions to offering data and expertise on supply chains, consumer behaviour, health outcomes and environmental monitoring.

Professor Lisa Collins, the academic leading the project, explained: “The aim of the Smart Agri-Systems initiative is to work in close partnership with industry and government to develop solutions for a smarter and more sustainable future for food and farming.

“Farms and businesses can work with us to develop bespoke solutions, drawing on a range of expertise from advanced monitoring technology and big data analytics through to using these smart systems to help inform decision-making.”

The university’s 783-acre farm, which is primarily used for growing crops, is also home to the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock’s (CIEL) £10m pig research unit, which features both indoor and outdoor production facilities.