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:
- Understand whether your idea fits the fund
- Connect with a project facilitator
- Refine your project concept
- Design a trial that works for your farm
- Navigate the application process
- Share your findings with other farmers
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.
- ADOPT Support Hub available now: Prepare your idea and get help before you apply
- Applications open: April 28, 2025
- ADOPT funding opportunity information webinar
- Innovation Funding Service: This will be the home of where applicants can locate and apply for the ADOPT competitions. Just search “ADOPT” and the live ADOPT competitions will come up.
Interested in becoming a Project Facilitator?
For information, visit the Facilitator FAQ’s on the Business Connect site.
- ADOPT Facilitator Telephone Number: +44 330 106 6400
- ADOPT Facilitator Email: [email protected]
- ADOPT Facilitator Application Form
