From 28 April 2025, farmers, growers, and foresters in England will be able to 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.
There are two types of grant 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.
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.
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.
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’re actively encouraging applications from 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.
For information, visit the Facilitator FAQ’s on the Business Connect site.