Funding Alert: New DEFRA grant competitions now open for Agri-TechE innovators

DEFRA has announced two new funding opportunities under its Farming Innovation Programme, giving UK agri-tech innovators the chance to access substantial collaborative R&D support.

To be eligible, your project must:

• Address a significant industry challenge or opportunity in at least one of the following subsectors:
  • Farmed animals
  • Plants
  • Novel food production systems
  • Bioeconomy and agroforestry
• Significantly improve:
  • Productivity
  • Resilience
  • Sustainability
  • Progression towards low-emission farming
• Clearly demonstrate how it will benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England

These schemes are designed to accelerate cutting-edge innovation in sustainable agriculture, with projects required to deliver benefits that can be exploited in England.

🌱 Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects (Round 4)

This competition is aimed at collaborative R&D projects that push forward innovative solutions for farming and food production.

Key details:

• Open now – closes 5 November
• Project costs: £1m–£3m
• Duration: up to 30 months
• Must be collaborative
• Project start: by 1 July 2026
• Project end: by 31 December 2028

🌾 Farming Innovation Programme: Feasibility (Round 4)

This strand is designed to support feasibility studies that test the potential of early-stage ideas before progressing to larger-scale development.

Key details:

• Open now – closes 3 December
• Total eligible costs: £200,000–£500,000
• Duration: up to 24 months
• Must be collaborative
• Project start: by 1 July 2026
• Project end: by 30 June 2028

⏰ Don’t miss out

With deadlines fast approaching, now is the time to scope your project ideas and identify partners.

Project scoping and application preparation

At Tatton Consulting, we’ve helped secure over £100m in non-dilutive grant funding, including £25m+ for agriculture, food, and agri-tech. With a 70%+ success rate and a proven track record across Innovate UK, DEFRA and more, we bring strategic insight and hands-on bid expertise that can make all the difference.

🔍 Agri-TechE Member Perks

To support the Agri-TechE network, we’re offering:

• Free 30-minute project scoping & assessment session
• 10% discount on all grant support fees

Our team provides honest, upfront advice, no boilerplate bids, and bespoke project design to maximise your competitiveness. And with a ‘No-Win, No-Fee’ option, there’s no risk in exploring your eligibility.

📧 Book your session: funding@tattonconsulting.co.uk
🌐 Learn more: ukgrantfunding.co.uk

• : *I have permission from the copyright holder to publish this content and images.