Farming Innovation Programme: ADOPT
Supporting collaborative farmer-led, on-farm innovation to explore and demonstrate innovative sustainable solutions to farming challenges, improving the adoption of new ideas in the rural sector.
Accelerating farmer-led innovation
Delivered by DEFRA in partnership with Innovate UK, the Farming Innovation Programme funds research initiatives which aim to solve a long-term practical challenge within the UK’s Farming industry.
As we look to reduce the environmental impact of farming, the need for our farmers, growers and foresters to seek novel ways to increase productivity, sustainability and build resilience is key to providing real benefits across the whole farming community.
The Farming Innovation Programme seeks to address and support this demand by applying agriculturally focused scientific R&D to help develop solutions for the practical challenges faced in agriculture and horticulture.
The Farming Innovation Programme Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) scheme targets smaller-scale, farmer-led R&D projects to trial and demonstrate the on-farm viability of new and existing technologies, processes, and practices to address immediate on-farm productivity and sustainability challenges.
ADOPT requires collaboration between farmers, researchers and businesses. By working together, farmers, growers & foresters can develop the solutions and improvements needed to help meet these environmental and industry challenges. These projects, which are led by an English based farmer, grower or forester require a Project Facilitator to be a part of the consortium.
Funding available
OPPORTUNITY
ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 5
A £2,500 support grant to access professional assistance to help develop an application to the Full ADOPT Grant. These £2,500 Support Grants are intended for applicants who are less familiar with Innovate UK systems. Closes 26 Nov 2025.
For more information
OPPORTUNITY
Full ADOPT Grant Round 4
Farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England can apply for a share of up to £3.5 million for on-farm trial and demonstration projects, to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector. Closes 10 Dec 2025.
For more information
Project facilitator directory
Innovate UK Business Connect can introduce applicants to industry experts who can provide guidance with the Support Grant and Full ADOPT Grant. Innovate UK Business Connect can provide the names of individuals who can help you turn your idea into a potential funding opportunity that is ready for a Full Grant application. The industry expert can also assist with the Support and Full Grant applications for those that are less familiar with the Innovate UK platforms and systems.
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The ADOPT Support Hub
Expertise
Acting as the first point of contact for the applicant providing advice on scope, suitability, or on-farm trial practicalities.
Connections
Helping you form connections finding expertise, partners, and capabilities necessary for a full grant application.
Industry standards
Providing and promote standards on best practice for on-farm R&D.
Knowledge exchange
Supporting the exchange of information and outputs from funded projects to share amongst farmers to enable broad knowledge exchange and dissemination.
Our Experts
Related Events and Recordings
Related News
25/02/2025
Support the future of on-farm innovation
We’re seeking Project Facilitators for Defra’s new ADOPT Fund.
Read more
Related Content
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