Find Out Everything You Need to Know on How to Receive Farming Innovation Funding
The Farming Innovation Programme, a collaboration between Defra and Innovate UK, provides funding for farmers, growers, and foresters in England to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions. Competitions are open to projects that enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience while addressing environmental challenges.
Opening & Application Process
Funding is awarded through competitions, where applications are assessed, and only the most promising projects receive funding. To qualify, applicants must collaborate with a team.
Available Competitions & Funding Levels
There are 4 different competitions which have different funding levels available. To have the best chance of receiving funding, ensure you consider what your objective is and what amount of funding you may need.
| Objective | Competition Name | Project Size | Duration | Who Can Lead? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore an idea & develop a team | Research Starter | £28K – £56K | 18 months | Farmers, growers, foresters |
| Check if an idea works in practice | Feasibility Studies | £200K – £500K | 2 years | UK Businesses |
| Develop a new product or service | Small R&D Partnerships Large R&D Partnerships | £1M – £3M £3M – £5M | 3 years 4 years | UK Businesses UK Businesses |
| Work on longer-term innovations | Farming Futures R&D | £500K – £6M | 2 – 5 years | Research organisations or UK Businesses |
Upcoming Opportunities
| Competition Name | Status |
| Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund (ADOPT) | Details of the new initiative are available on the ADOPT page. |
| Farming Futures R&D – Precision Breeding | Expected to launch in Spring 2025, but further details remain unconfirmed. |
| Farming Futures R&D – Net Zero Farming | Expected to launch in Spring 2025, but further details remain unconfirmed. |
| Further industry-led competitions. These will range from early-stage feasibility studies to later-stage projects moving towards commercialisation. | Defra is in the final planning stage of these competitions. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated via the official Defra Farming Blog for more information. |
The ADOPT Funding Opportunity
The ADOPT initiative is a fresh addition to the programme, aiming to accelerate the adoption of new farming technologies and practices. ADOPT will support collaborative, farmer-led on-farm trials and experiments to generate, test, and demonstrate innovative solutions to farming challenges. The goal is to develop practical knowledge that can be shared across the sector, giving others the confidence to adopt new approaches.
ADOPT offers two types of grants depending on the needs of the applicant:
- Support Grant – A smaller grant designed to help applicants access professional assistance from industry experts in developing their application for the Full ADOPT Grant. This is particularly useful for those less familiar with Innovate UK’s application systems. Applying for a Support Grant is optional.
- Full ADOPT Grant – Supports collaborative, farmer-led trials or experiments, helping to drive the development and adoption of innovative agricultural practices.
All Project Requirements & Focus Areas:
- Must develop innovative and practical solutions for agriculture.
- Should aim to improve sustainability, resilience, and productivity.
- Projects must be collaborative and demonstrate clear industry benefits.
- Funding is not available for commercial activities like marketing or sales.
How to Stay Updated
Competitions will be published on the Innovation Funding Service with detailed eligibility criteria and application information. Stay informed by following the Defra Farming Blog and InnoPhyte Consulting newsletter and social media pages.
Next Steps
If you’re seeking support in crafting a compelling application, our experts are here to help. Click here to book a free no-commitment call, or send a message to discuss the details and explore how you can maximise your chances of success. Let’s collaborate to navigate the competition process and unlock new opportunities for your business.
Seize the opportunity to drive farming innovation and make a lasting impact in the industry!
Explore Grant Opportunities with Expert Guidance
Interested in learning more about this grant competition and how it can benefit your project?
Click here to book a consultation or send a message to discuss the details and explore how you can maximise your chances of success. If you’re seeking support in crafting a compelling application, our experts are here to help. Let’s collaborate to navigate the competition process and unlock new opportunities for your business.
