Farmers and growers have been asked to help set the research agenda for the first time since 2013.
The report, launched by the NFU, Innovate UK, and the Centre for Effective Innovation in Agriculture (CEIA), highlights the issues that those in the agricultural industry want researchers to focus on.
Almost 100 farmers and growers shared 797 challenges and needs during a series of workshops.
The report shows that while some research priorities, such as soil health and disease control, have remained consistent since the last major review in 2013, new themes have emerged.
These include the impact of artificial intelligence, methane, carbon sequestration, regenerative systems, financing, and antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Tom MacMillan, Elizabeth Creak Chair at the Royal Agricultural University, and a director of the CEIA, said: "These research and innovation needs were gathered from a great diversity of farming businesses across the UK.
"They paint a picture of an industry with its finger on the pulse, very engaged with latest ideas and technologies, from AI to agroforestry, yet also profoundly practical."
The report also found that farmers and growers are keen to be more involved in the development, design, and delivery of research and innovation.
Professor MacMillan said: "Many of those who contributed were up for research to support bold, transformative innovation, and underlined how involving farmers could help make sure ideas worked on the ground.
"Ambitious and practical are sometimes seen as opposites, but I think the message for the research community is that we can, and should, aim for science that is both."
The report also found that farmer and grower research priorities aligned well with the strategic priorities of funders, particularly around sustainable agricultural systems.
Dr Andy Cureton, director of agri-food systems at Innovate UK, said: "We are pleased to support this important report, which highlights the key challenges and opportunities identified by farmers and growers across the UK.
"Engaging directly with nearly 100 participants ensures the report reflects the real-world needs and priorities of those at the heart of the agri-food sector."
Four of the workshops were organised by the NFU and NFU Cymru.
NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: "For agriculture and horticulture to contribute to the Government’s mission of economic growth, the academic community has an important role to help farmers and growers overcome many of the challenges they face.
"This report has the potential to help inform future science policy and funding strategies."
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