Support the future of on-farm innovation
We’re seeking Project Facilitators for Defra’s new ADOPT Fund.
Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT)
ADOPT, part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme delivered by Innovate UK, provides collaborative farmer-led, smaller-scale innovation grants, for farmers and farm businesses to trial new technology and methods on their farm.
As announced by the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the NFU Conference on 25 February 2025, more than £20 million is being made available to farmers, growers and farm businesses to bridge the gap between new technologies and their real-world application, giving farmers the confidence investments in tech will deliver the returns they need.
Grants will open in Spring 2025.
The opportunity
A Project Facilitator is designed to support ADOPT applicants. The role is flexible and could involve project management, reporting, and ensuring overall success, adapting to project needs and budget.
As a part of the ADOPT competition rules, it is mandatory to have a Project Facilitator named on the application that also appears in the Project Facilitators database that is being compiled by Innovate UK Business Connect.
This opportunity is open to individuals based in the UK. To be included in the Project Facilitator database, you must have:
- Worked within agriculture, horticulture, forestry for a minimum of five years.
- Facilitation experience, including working with groups of farmers and growers on key projects
- Experience in successfully supporting and writing R&D/Innovation grant applications
- Experience with successfully managing R&D/Innovation grant funded projects
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What are the requirements to become a Project Facilitator?
To be included in the Project Facilitator database, you must have:
- Worked within agriculture, horticulture, forestry for a minimum of five years,
- Facilitation experience, including working with groups of farmers and growers on key projects,
- Experience in successfully supporting and writing R&D/Innovation grant applications,
- Experience with successfully managing R&D/Innovation grant funded projects.
How many projects can I be involved in as a Project Facilitator?
You can be involved in as many or as few projects as you feel comfortable in and are able to deliver.
What roles may I be asked to carry out?
The role of Project Facilitator is flexible in terms of time commitment and the budget available for the role. This role therefore is dependent on the needs of the project, and the proposal and budget being developed currently. The role may include, but is not limited to:
- Acting as a project manager for the duration of the project (up to 24 months),
- Helping to prepare paperwork for Innovate UK and the Project Monitoring Officer, e.g. reporting documents for quarterly meetings,
- Ensuring that the project remains on track and that good communication is maintained,
- Providing your expertise to help ensure the project is a success.
How do I apply to become a Project Facilitator?
Click here to apply to become a Project Facilitator.
What is the application process to become a Project Facilitator?
To apply to become a Project Facilitator you must complete the application form. This will then be assessed for your eligibility. If you are successful, you will be added to the database. If you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email informing you of this decision.
You will need to adhere to the application dates published to ensure you are added to the database with sufficient time to apply for the open competitions.
Is there any financial support available to carry out the role of Project Facilitator?
If your Support Grant application is successful and your Full Grant application is sent for assessment, the lead applicant is eligible for a £2,500 grant which will be paid to the lead applicant. As part of the development of the full project application, your anticipated time will be accounted for over the course of the project.
Do I need to be based in the UK to become a Project Facilitator?
Yes. You need to be a business registered in the UK to participate.
Do Project Facilitators need to be included on the database for both the Support Grant and the Full Grant?
Yes. It is a mandatory requirement to be included on the database to be a Project Facilitator. This applies to both the Support and Full Grants.
Is there any further help available to the Project Facilitator?
Innovate UK Business Connect can help you as usual with connecting you to the right partners for projects.
As part of ADOPT, a Support Hub has been created to help support projects – further information can be found here: https://www.farmpep.net/adoptsupport.
Can you be a Project Facilitator as a subcontractor?
Yes. You can act as a project partner of subcontractor in your role as Project Facilitator.
Who can I contact if I have further queries regarding the Project Facilitator role?
Please contact Innovate UK Business Connect here: ADOPTfacilitator@iukbc.org.uk.
You can download the FAQs document here.
How to get involved
Complete the below form to apply to be included in the directory of potential Project Facilitators. Those applying for the upcoming ADOPT competition may then ask you to support them with their project.