Now open: Farming Innovation Investor Partnership competition
I’m pleased to say the Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition is now open. This post includes a link to watch a recent webinar.
Sarah Kaya
Sarah is a policy adviser in Defra’s agri-tech sector policy team.
The team supports the growth of the agri-tech sector by enabling the commercialisation and uptake of new technologies.
Before joining Defra, Sarah lived in Turkey, where she kept chickens.
Competition to accelerate agri-tech investment: guidance out now
A new £5 million round of the Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition will open on 2 June. Guidance is now available. The competition supports agri-tech businesses to fast-track the late-stage development and commercialisation of technologies that are close to market. It offers government funding alongside private investment.
Related content and links
Our monthly newsletter
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.
Talk to us
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.
Helping farmers access water this autumn
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.
National Young Farmers Week
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.
Storing fertiliser safely
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.
Get advice
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.
Join a webinar
Livestock disease guidance
Preparing your business for the UK-EU SPS agreement
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
