The Industrial Strategy sets out a 10-year plan to boost investment and create skilled jobs, with the aim of making it easier and simpler for companies to do business. As part of the initiative the UK Government said it would tackle high industrial electricity costs, promote free and fair trade, expand access to finance, drive innovation and reduce regulatory burdens.
The Government Industrial Strategy targets eight key sectors and technologies including Advanced Manufacturing; Energy Industries; Creative Industries; Defence; Digital and Technologies; Financial Services; Life Sciences and Professional and Business Services.
The NFU (National Farmers' Union) welcomed the plan claiming it marked a "huge win" for the UK farming industry as it covers agri-tech and precision breeding technology. The farming body said it lobbied government departments, including the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), to get agriculture included.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said: "The UK agriculture sector is world class with innovative and tech-hungry farm businesses. With the right investment, farming has the potential to be a key driver in future growth and that's why we have been pushing hard for it to be included in the Industrial Strategy. We already have proposals within our Blueprints for Growth to support the government's goals and intend to feed these in as part of next steps."
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