Delivery partners can now apply for the first round of the Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF).
The £30 million fund will help farmers and land managers work together on local projects that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience.
Delivery partners are organisations with experience of supporting farmer collaboration. Funding will support them to establish new collaboration groups where there are gaps, support existing groups, appoint facilitators, share learning across the sector, and ensure funding is used effectively and transparently.
A summary of the fund
The FCF has been shaped through engagement with farmers, land managers and organisations across the sector.
At workshops held earlier this year, we heard that successful collaboration takes time and that groups need support to build relationships, develop shared priorities and turn ideas into action.
That's why successful delivery partners can receive funding for up to 3 years. This long-term approach reflects what we heard from farmers and gives groups the time and flexibility to develop projects that respond to local needs and opportunities.
For that reason, facilitators will provide direct support to farmer groups. They will co-ordinate meetings, arrange speakers and specialist advice, and help farmers agree shared actions. They may also support individual farmers where this contributes to the objectives of the wider group.
By working together, farmers can improve their businesses and deliver environmental benefits that would be difficult to achieve alone. This could include sharing machinery to reduce costs, adopting more efficient farming practices, and accessing funding opportunities such as Landscape Recovery.
Collaboration groups can also connect farmers with expert advice on issues including succession planning and business diversification.
To support collaboration and the sharing of ideas and experience, the FCF will fund activities including:
- peer-to-peer learning
- farm walks and group visits
- discussion groups and workshops
- knowledge exchange events
- specialist advice and training
Applying
Guidance
Before beginning your application, read the Farmer Collaboration Fund applicant’s guide.
It explains:
- who can apply and what the fund can support
- how to complete an application, including required checks
- how applications are assessed
Before applying, check that your organisation can meet the fund requirements and deliver the project for up to 3 years.
The guide explains the eligibility criteria for organisations, collaboration groups and activities, as well as the checks you will need to complete before submitting your application.
The application form
Once you've read the guidance, go to the Find a Grant page, and complete the application form using the portal. It's under the tab 'How to apply.'
The application form has 4 sections:
- Delivery partner details. We will use this information to check your eligibility. This section is not scored, but you must pass for your application to progress.
- Organisation and experience. Tell us about your experience of working with farmers and the partnerships you have built with other organisations that support farmer collaboration.
- Objectives. Explain what you want to achieve, why, and how your objectives align with Defra’s objectives and strategies.
- Delivery plans and budgets. This section has 2 parts:
- Explain the actions you will take to achieve your objectives, including your delivery plan, a summary of the groups you will support and your milestones.
- Set out the budget you need and your plans for when the 3 years of funding end.
There is a form which contains templates for you to provide details of up to 20 supporting collaboration groups and a spreadsheet, where you can detail your spend.
You will also need to provide a milestone plan and roadmap in an attached file, as part of your application. This will help show what actions you will take to deliver the objectives you have identified.
Applicants who are unsuccessful in round 1 can apply again in round 2 if they meet the eligibility criteria.
If you need further help using the application portal, you can check the user guide, or contact the online helpdesk.
You can also call the helpdesk on 029 2279 0054. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays.
Learn more
Webinar for applicants
To help you apply, we recently hosted a webinar for potential applicants.
The webinar explains the fund’s eligibility requirements, how to prepare a strong application and how applications will be assessed. It also includes answers to questions raised by attendees.
Webinar on the application portal
On Wednesday 9 September 2026, we're hosting another webinar designed to walk you through the application portal. There will be a live Q&A session where you can put your questions to the team.
It will start at 2:30pm and finish at 3:30pm.
Dates to note
- 1 September – Round 1 opens
- 9 September – Application portal webinar 2:30pm -3:30pm
- 30 September 2026 – Round 1 closes
- November 2026 – Successful applicants notified
- December 2026 – First payments issued
- Spring 2027 – Round 2 opens
We aim to share the successful projects by the end of the year. Subscribe to the Farming Blog, and you’ll receive a notification as soon as we publish this information.
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