According to DEFRA, several grants are available this year and were due to open for applications in the spring.
The main funds include:
- Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT)
This fund opened on 28 April and is providing £20.6m in grants for on-farm trial and demonstration projects that have a total cost of between £50,000 and £100,000. To qualify, the projects must improve the adoption of new ideas and solutions in the agricultural sector. - Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
This popular fund offers grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 for technology that improves productivity and animal health and welfare. The £16.7m fund also provides grants for improving slurry management. - Farming Innovation Programme (FIP)
FIP provides funding to farmers, growers and foresters who want to develop and use new, innovative methods and technologies. However, applicants must apply for grants through competitions, including thematic competitions looking at the benefits of precision breeding technology and Net Zero farming, and an industry-led competition funding agri-technology R&D.
To keep up to date with the grant funding available, including when funds open and close, you can keep an eye on the DEFRA farming blog and even sign up to email updates. Go to https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/ for more information.