More than half of UK farmers have adopted new technology or other innovations in the past year as the agricultural sector looks to improve efficiency, profitability and food security.
New research from Tesco’s annual Greenprint survey found 58% of farmers in its supply chain introduced an innovation over the past 12 months, up from 46% in 2025.
However, 76% said bringing new technology and approaches onto farms remains challenging, with funding and opportunities to trial innovations among the main barriers.
Two technologies were recognised in the 2026 Agri-tech Challenge. AgroSustain won the early-stage category for technology designed to help crops withstand stresses including drought and salinity, while Herd Advance won the late-stage category for automated livestock monitoring and handling.
Claire Lorains, Group Quality, Technical and Sustainability Director at Tesco, said: “A promising idea will only make a meaningful difference if there is a practical and realistic path to implementing it on farm. That’s especially true in a year when British farmers have faced challenging conditions, including record heat and widespread drought.”
The research found 83% of farmers believe innovation can improve farm efficiency, while 72% said it can boost profitability.
A further 72% called for greater government and retailer funding for innovative agricultural technology.
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