MAKING lamb tastier and growing strawberries without soil are among research projects receiving a share of almost £18 million.

The 15 UK-led projects will share £12.1 million from Government and £5.7 million from industry.

They also include investigating the protection of peas and beans from beetles without widespread insecticide spraying and using light to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce.

Technology to detect health and welfare problems for pigs earlier, improving food security in India and Pakistan, plus pesticide and fertiliser research, are among the winners alongside breeding lamb for “more taste and ‘less waste” by scanning animals.