Research funding totalling £16m has been announced by the Technology Strategy Board for projects looking at ways of increasing the domestic supply of protein.

The funding is earmarked for 29 research projects with the overall aim of increasing protein product, thereby reducing the reliance of imports.

Of most interest to arable growers are four projects researching the growing of protein for animal feed through alternative cropping varieties and techniques.

Agrovista working with ADAS has been granted funds to research the potential for triticale (a wheat hybrid) to be used as an alternative to feed wheat for biofuel production, identifying it as a crop with a higher protein content, high yield and potentially needing fewer inputs.

When used in biodigestion, the by-product of triticale can also be a better source of protein for animal feed than wheat.

Daniel Kindred of ADAS says: “This funding will help us to evaluate our initial findings on the viability of triticale and communicate these findings to a broader farming audience. We hope to demonstrate there are viable and valuable markets for triticale.”

The research which has been ongoing will feedback information throughout it’s lifespan with the first findings expected next year.

Specialist pulse and legume breeder Wherry and Sons will also be receiving funding to increase its research into the relationship between yield and the protein content of peas and beans.

Mr Smith from Wherry and Sons says protein content often falls as yields rise and that the research into this relationship has been held back because of a lack of commercial appeal in a relatively small industry.

“Money made available by the Technology Strategy Board is a fantastic opportunity to carry out work that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do.”

Among the other projects, Yara will be investigating the optimisation of protein production from oilseed rape and the use of rape meal as animal feed. Velcourt will also be researching a UK forage soya for the on-farm feeding of dairy cows.

The Technology Strategy Board is a non-departmental body responsible for innovation across UK industry. More information can be found at www.innovateuk.org.