Grant or payment · England
Farming Innovation Programme - research and development competitions
Larger research and development grants for businesses and researchers working on farming innovation.
- From
- Defra with Innovate UK (UKRI)
- How much
- Farming Futures £500,000 to £6m; Small R&D Partnerships £1m to £3m.
- Who can apply
- UK businesses and research organisations in teams.
What you’ll need
- Project partners
How to apply
- Check farminginnovation.ukri.org for open competitions
Small R&D Partnerships round 5 closed 14 October 2026; Automation and Robotics closed 30 September 2026. Farming Futures: Soils and Water Quality expected Winter 2026 (no date). Aimed at businesses and researchers, not ordinary farm grants.
Similar schemes
- Farming Innovation Programme - ADOPT fund OpenDefra with Innovate UK (UKRI) · Closes 2 December 2026Grants for farmer-led on-farm trials of new ideas, plus small support grants to help write a bid.
- New Entrant Grants Open all yearAddington FundGrants for items that improve soil or livestock health, such as soil and fodder tests, vet health plans, vaccines, cameras, mobile fencing and foot trimming kit.
- Farm Resilience Programme and other farm programmes Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside Fund (formerly the Prince's Countryside Fund)Free business and environmental training for family farms, including Farm Resilience, Routes to Regen, Savings in Soil and Working with Water.
- Supporting Rural Communities grants Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside FundGrants to groups for young people, community projects, farm succession and rural resilience.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1. Always read the official page before you apply.