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 2
A small Support Grant to access professional assistance from an industry expert to help develop an application to the Full ADOPT Grant. These small Support Grants are intended for applicants who are less familiar with Innovate UK systems.
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OPPORTUNITY
Full ADOPT Grant: Round 1
A Full ADOPT Grant will support collaborative farmer-led, on farm trials or experiments.
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SUPPORT
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 Opportunities
Farming Futures R&D Fund: low emissions farming
Opens: 05/05/2025 Closes: 25/06/2025
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £12.5 million for industrial research projects from the Farming Futures R&D Fund.
More Information
Farming Futures R&D Fund: Precision Breeding
Opens: 05/05/2025 Closes: 25/06/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £12.5 million for precision breeding of arable and horticultural crops.
More Information
Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership 2025
Opens: 02/06/2025 Closes: 02/07/2025
UK registered SMEs can apply for a share of up to £5m to develop innovative farming solutions. This must align with private investment from selected investor partners.
More Information
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.
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NEWSLETTER
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