The funding is aimed at developing novel high-potential solutions that target real-world issues facing farmers, growers and agribusinesses.
The calls are often based on the recommendations of reports, for example the automation and robotics call was in response to the Automation in Horticulture independent report (27 July 2022)* with a foreword by Professor Simon Pearson.
Farming Innovation Programme themes:
Theme 1 - Climate smart funding – closed June 2022
Theme 2 - Sustainable farm-based protein – closed September 2022
Theme 3 - Automation and robotics – closed March 2023
Theme 4 - Environmental resilience – closed 19 July 2023
Strands create different entry levels
Funding is made available in competitive rounds with a call for applications. Calls may include strands to encourage entrants at different levels.
Research starter: to explore an idea and develop a team; only farmers can apply - £28 - £56K
Feasibility studies: to check with an idea works in practice; open to businesses, farmers and researchers - £200 -£500k
Small R&D partnerships: business-led industrial research - £1-3M
Large R&D partnerships: business-led industrial research - £3-5M
Farming Futures R&D: research organisations or business-led - £200k – £6M
Previous programmes
The Farming Innovation Programme builds on the success of the Transforming Food Production initiative.
Briefing last updated: 7 July 2023
