ADOPT: first projects selected as next round opens
With the next round of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund now open, we highlight some projects that have recently begun, to inspire you to apply.
Joss is a policy adviser in the Farming Innovation team.
The team is responsible for developing Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme as part of the measures to increase innovation and boost sustainable productivity in agriculture and horticulture.
With the next round of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund now open, we highlight some projects that have recently begun, to inspire you to apply.
I’m pleased to let you know that 2 new competition rounds will open this autumn through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). The competitions offer research groups alongside farmers, growers and foresters the chance to test and develop ideas that could improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Farmers, growers and foresters who want to develop and implement innovative agricultural practices and technologies can now apply for funding through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP).
Through the £15 million Nutrient Management competition, we’re offering funding to develop solutions which address the challenges related to nutrient management in soils and water associated with agricultural livestock and crop production. In this post, I'll share links to the guidance so you can prepare for the competition opening on 29 May.
On 15 January, we’ll open another round of the Large R&D Partnerships competition. Part of the Farming Innovation Programme, this competition offers a share of £7.8 million to farmers, growers and foresters in England to take forward ideas that improve productivity, sustainability, resilience and move the sector towards net zero. Together with our delivery partners Innovate UK, …
Farmers, growers and foresters in England will soon be able to apply for a share of £850,000 for ideas that improve productivity, sustainability, resilience and move the agricultural sector to net zero. Opening on 18 December, the Research Starter competition offers an entry point to the innovation process for those with bold, ambitious, early-stage ideas. …
Through the Feasibility Studies competition, grants are available to support new solutions that address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities. I said I’d blog again when the competition opened. I’m pleased to say it’s now open!
I’m pleased to say that the Small R&D Partnership Projects competition is now open. Through this competition, we want to enable UK-based businesses to collaboratively develop solutions which improve productivity, sustainability, resilience in farming and realise our net zero ambitions.
This month, we will open another round of the Small R&D Partnership Projects competition and, in September, another round of the Feasibility Studies competition will follow. In this post, I’ll give you a brief overview of the competitions. I'll also include links to guidance, share details of upcoming webinars and include dates to note.
If you have an ambitious research and development project which supports productivity and sustainability, you can now apply for a share of £12.5 million to fund it.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming Directorate.
We explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved. Find out more

Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.

10 October Alwinton Show at Gallow Law, Alwinton, Northumberland.
15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.

The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.

This week is National Young Farmers Week. Visit the NFYFC website for details on how to take part in the club scarecrow-building challenge, the YFC Food Drop, and show your support on social media.

If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.

The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.

Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.