A PROJECT to improve the quality of grains and wheat is being undertaken by Nestlé's Product Technology Centre.

The team at the York-based centre have received Government funding to work alongside KWS UK Ltd, The Scotch Whisky Research Institute, ADM Milling and United Biscuits to develop sustainable approaches to improve grain quality.

The researchers are also tasked with helping end users of soft wheat combat challenges in downstream processing.

The project development cost is £554,107, and £202,835 is being contributed by the Agri-Tech Catalyst, a funding scheme to support businesses and researchers in developing solutions to challenges in the agri-tech sector.

More than 70 businesses and universities from across the UK will share £16 million from Government and industry to develop 25 innovative business ideas and boost UK agriculture.

The 25 projects, worth £16 million with £9.8 million from Government and £6.2 million from industry, form the third round of funding to be distributed through the £70 million Agri-Tech Catalyst, announced as part of the UK Industrial Strategy for Agricultural Technologies.

The Product Technology Centre (PTC) in York is part of Nestlé's global network of Research Centres. The York PTC is Nestlé’s centre of excellence for chocolate, sugar confectionery and biscuits focusing on lighter eating, luxury gifting and popularly positioned products (PPP).

The PTC York is responsible for developing new technologies and innovative products, as well as providing help and technical assistance to Nestlé operating companies around the world.