News Category: News

New farmer-led innovation fund launching – Applications now open

April 15, 2025 No Comments

Farmers, growers and foresters in England can now apply for a new round of funding to help trial and test practical solutions to real on-farm challenges, with fully funded, free support from the ADOPT Support Hub. The ADOPT Fund – funded by DEFRA and delivered by Innovate UK – is designed to back farmer-led innovation. Whether it’s trialling a new technology or testing a change in practice, ADOPT offers the funding and support to make it happen. What’s on offer? There are two types of grants available: Support grants (up to £2,500): These help applicants explore their idea and work with a project facilitator to shape a strong proposal. Full grants (up to £100,000): To support farmer-led, collaborative research and innovation projects over 6 months to 24 months. Why this matters The ADOPT Fund is different from previous innovation funding. It’s farmer-led, but collaborative – bringing in others like advisers, researchers, tech providers and other like-minded farmers to help turn your idea into something ready to be adopted more widely in the agricultural community. It’s also focused on practical impact, not just theory. That means funding is aimed at real-world challenges, everyday technology, practices and ideas that aren’t yet widely adopted but could make a difference. You’re not expected to go it alone We understand that most farmers haven’t applied for this kind of funding before. That’s why the ADOPT Support Hub is launching alongside the fund. The Support Hub is fully funded and free to use, providing you with the guidance, resources and connections you need at every step. The Support Hub is here to help you: Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to apply, the Support Hub provides the guidance, resources and connections to support you at every step. What is a Project Facilitator? All projects applying for ADOPT competitions must include a Project Facilitator to support project delivery and management. Project facilitators are independent experts who play a required and central role in all ADOPT-funded projects. They bring experience in farmer-led research, Innovate UK grant processes and project management. The ADOPT Support Hub can guide you on how to connect with a suitable registered facilitator – or help you understand how to work with someone you already know, as long as they meet the criteria. We want to hear from you We’re actively encouraging applications across the full spectrum of farming types, regions and communities. Whether you’re a grower, forester, livestock farmer, arable producer or part of a local farming group – we want to hear your ideas, challenges and opportunities. If you’ve got a hunch that something could be improved on-farm, this is your chance to try it with support.     Interested in becoming a Project Facilitator? For information, visit the Facilitator FAQ’s on the Business Connect site.

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Collaboration key to agri-tech growth and adoption, Minister Daniel Zeichner hears

March 28, 2025 No Comments

DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner toured Harper Adams University’s campus with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) and the UK Agri-Tech Centre to explore how education, research and technology development are shaping the future of the agri-food industry. The Minister of State’s itinerary included a stop at the Future Farm, designed to integrate research and teaching priorities, followed by a visit to the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Midlands Innovation Hub. There, he engaged with businesses leveraging cutting-edge facilities to refine and scale their technologies. Following the tour, the Minister joined a working lunch with hosts and students, where discussions focused on key priorities such as agricultural R&D, skills development, education needs, the land use framework and broader agricultural policy within the UK.     Dr. Peter Quinn, Chairman of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “As the UK’s largest agri-tech-focused organisation, our mission is to fuel business growth and fast-track the adoption of agri-tech solutions that generate real-world impact. We champion a thriving community of forward-thinking agri-tech businesses and take pride in contributing to their achievements. It was a pleasure to introduce Minister Zeichner to companies like UPP, which is addressing labour shortages in broccoli harvesting, developing alternative protein products and creating new revenue opportunities by repurposing agricultural waste.”   Tess Howe, Head of Partnerships and Policy at TIAH, added: “As agriculture encounters evolving challenges and new technologies, it is vital that farmers and growers acquire the skills necessary to stay resilient and innovative. Our upcoming Labour Market Information research underscores the critical competencies required for investing in and implementing technological advancements that will enhance business resilience and sector-wide growth. Through effective collaboration, we can create an environment of knowledge-sharing that bridges skill gaps and equips all farmers and growers with the tools to succeed.”   Professor Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “In my discussions with the Minister in Westminster, I stressed the crucial role that collaboration with external partners plays in the success of specialist institutions like Harper Adams. We were therefore pleased to welcome him to our University, alongside our colleagues from TIAH and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, to highlight the strength of these relationships. His visit provided an opportunity to showcase our Future Farm, introduce him to our faculty and students and present some of our numerous research initiatives.”   If you would like to learn more about Minister Daniel Zeichner’s visit or understand more about the work being done in the agri-food sector, get in touch via [email protected]  

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