The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched two new competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme. Funding will help England’s farmers and growers to become more productive, environmentally sustainable, and more resilient to the global food security challenges of the future.
1. Farming Innovation Programme – Large R&D Partnership Projects
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of £8m for collaborative projects that address major on-farm or immediate post-farmgate challenges or opportunities. Solutions must significantly improve productivity, sustainability and environmental impact, progression towards net zero emissions, and resilience.
The lead organisation must be a UK registered business of any size. In addition, projects must:
- have total costs between £3m and £5m
- be collaborative, involving at least one SME and one research organisation
- last up to 48 months, starting by 1st February 2023 and ending by 31st January 2027
- carry out all project work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in England
- have a minimum of 50% of any grant requested by farmers, growers or foresters allocated to farmers, growers or foresters based in England
Apply before 11am on Wednesday 29th June.
2. Farming Futures R&D Fund: Climate smart farming – EoI
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of £12.5m to develop ambitious new solutions for reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate. Solutions should significantly improve productivity, sustainability and environmental impact, progression towards net zero emissions, and resilience.
The lead organisation must be a UK-registered business of any size, academic institution or research and technology organisation. Projects must also:
- have total eligible costs between £3 million and £6 million
- be collaborative
- address the specific requirements of the Defra key priorities for reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate
- last between 24 and 48 months, starting by 1st April 2023 and ending by 31st March 2027
- carry out all project work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in England
- have a minimum of 50% of any grant awarded to farmers, growers or foresters allocated to farmers, growers or foresters based in England
Expressions of interest must be submitted before 18th May. Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to apply for funding at stage 2 of the competition.
Planning to apply? RedKnight has a strong track record of securing innovation funding and can help you develop a competitive application! Please contact us in order to arrange a free consultation.
