Research and development support for agriculture and aquaculture
The UK’s well-developed research and commercial collaboration infrastructure can give you access to world-leading institutions and centres of excellence.
Companies can trial products in dedicated research and field-testing environments, with specialised facilities and pioneering growers.
Research infrastructure
Catapult network
The Catapult Network has 9 innovation centres across 40 locations in the UK. In each centre, businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work together on late-stage research and development.
Major UK research organisations
Find specific projects and detailed information on the work of research organisations related to agriculture and aquaculture on the websites listed below.
Agriculture
Based in North Yorkshire, North East England. This research facility brings together research across food, environmental safety and agri-tech, including plant, animal, wildlife and food safety.
Based in 4 sites across South East and South West England. The centres research topics such as sustainable agriculture, soil health, crop yields, and environmental impact.
University of Sheffield Institute for Sustainable Food
Research for plant production, protection and related environmental topics, based in South Yorkshire in North East England.
Royal Agricultural University
Research strengths include food security and agricultural sustainability, community regeneration through agriculture. Located in Gloucestershire and Swindon, both in South West England.
Roslin Institute
Based near Edinburgh, specialising in sustainable agriculture, infectious diseases in animals and enhancing animal health.
The James Hutton Institute
World leading research institute for land, crops, water and the environment. Its centres are near Aberdeen and Dundee, both in Scotland.
Agritech
Based across the UK , the UK Agri-Tech Centre offers a complete life cycle of support. It drives agritech innovation and adoption through world-class facilities, expert knowledge and business support.
The Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University
An independently research institute in East England that studies the regulatory systems underlying plant growth and plant development.
Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology
The institute’s work includes AI, robotics and engineering technology applications for crop science, environmental sustainability, food manufacturing, product development and supply chains. Based in the East Midlands of England.
Independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology research, based in Norwich in the East of England.
NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany)
The East England-based institute in Cambridge is tackling food security, climate change and sustainable development through research, innovation and comprehensive field-trials.
Harper Adams Agri-Tech Research Centre
Located in Shropshire, in the English West Midlands. The centre’s researchers work on innovative agricultural technology for sustainable agriculture, precision farming, automation and robotics.
Aquaculture
CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science)
This UK government centre is a world leader in marine science and technology, providing innovative solutions for the aquatic environment, biodiversity and food security. Based in Lowestoft in Suffolk, East of England and Weymouth in Dorset, South of England.
Stirling University Institute of Aquaculture
An international centre in aquaculture and the largest of its kind in the world. Based in Central Scotland, its research tackles global problems of food security, hunger and sustainability through aquaculture.
Recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies, the college is home to the Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre. Located in Hampshire, South of England.
Based in South West England, the university’s research helps to underpin the sustainability of the expanding industry, improving aquatic animal nutrition and health.
Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
Based in Oban, North West Scotland, the organisation works for healthy and sustainably managed seas through marine research and education.
Research resources
You can view research on the UK seafood industry on the Seafish website, including fishing, processing, trade and retail data.
UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Konfer is an online tool that uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.
Support and funding
National research schemes
Organisations and schemes such as Innovate UK and its parent body, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), can help you. UKRI is the public body supporting research and innovation across all sectors.
UKRI’s Business Connect helps organisations interested in agrifood innovation access expert information, funding and connections across agriculture and aquaculture.
Find out more about Business Connect for agrifood on the UKRI website.
UKRI’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Specialist funding opportunities for agriculture and aquaculture
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
The UK’s largest funder of independent environmental science, training and innovation, delivered through universities and research centres. A driving force of investment in environmental science, NERC have several support mechanisms for different kinds of research.
Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC)
Financed by the Scottish Funding Council, in partnership with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Enterprise, SAIC help Scotland’s aquaculture sector to tackle challenges and accelerate growth.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
BBRSC works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and Government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.
The Agri-Tech Funding Finder brings together current agritech funding calls for academics, start-ups, farmers or small businesses.
Find out more about help for resrearch and dvelopment (R&D) in our guide to incentives, funding and support in the UK.
Tax relief for innovative agriculture companies
The UK tax system provides strong backing for entrepreneurs and their investors.
R&D tax reliefs for innovative agriculture companies
You can claim corporation tax relief if you are working on an innovative project in science and technology that meets the UK government’s definition of R&D.
There are 2 main types of R&D tax reliefs:
- Small and medium enterprise (SME) R&D relief, for companies with less than 500 staff
- R&D expenditure credit, for larger companies
Get guidance on R&D tax relief on GOV.UK
Capital allowances
If your agricultural or aquaculture manufacturing business is investing in plant and machinery, you may be eligible for generous first year tax reliefs of up to 100% of the cost of these.
Find out more about capital allowances and how to claim them on GOV.UK
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
EIS and SEIS are UK government schemes that help you if you’re a younger, higher-risk businesses raising finance. They offer generous tax reliefs of between 30% to 50%.
Find out more about the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme on GOV.UK.
Private equity and venture capital
With a mature and highly sophisticated capital market, the UK is both a leading destination and source of capital investment for agriculture.
Find out about the opportunities available in our guide, Access to Finance.