UK registered businesses and research organisations can apply for funding to carry out projects that benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England.

Administered by Innovate UK (IUK), the Farming Innovation Programme is funding ambitious research and development projects that will benefit England’s farmers, growers, foresters and other businesses. The aim is to boost productivity, enhance sustainable practices, improve environmental outcomes and reduce carbon emissions in England’s agricultural and horticultural sectors.

Two separate competitions make up the current programme:

Feasibility Projects Competition Round 2

This competition will fund feasibility studies investigating new solutions that address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities. A total of £5.5 million is available. Each project’s total eligible costs must be between £200,000 and £500,000.

UK registered business of any size must lead a project. They must collaborate with other businesses of any size, registered academic institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs), public sector organisations, charities or not-for-profit organisations.

This competition opens on 31 August 2022. The deadline for applications is 12 October 2022 (11:00 BST).

Small R&D Partnership Projects Competition Round 2

This competition is funding industrial research studies developing new solutions that will address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities. A total of £11 million has been allocated. Each project’s total eligible costs must be between £1 million and £3 million.

The competition is open to collaborations only. UK registered businesses of any size must lead a project. They must collaborate with other UK businesses of any size, academic institutions, RTOs, public sector organisations, charities or not-for-profit organisations. The lead must work with at least one SME.

This competition opens on 31 August 2022. The deadline for applications is 2 November 2022 (11:00 GMT).

 

How To Apply

Competition dates:

• Open: 31 August 2022
• Competition closing date: 12 October 2022 (11:00 BST)

Applicants are encouraged to read the general guidance for applicants to help their chances of submitting a quality application.

Further information is available from the Innovate UK website.