Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership

SMEs can apply for a share of up to £5 million to develop innovative farming solutions. Your proposal must be able to demonstrate how the project will benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England.

This funding is linked to Defra's Farming Innovation Programme delivered by Innovate UK.

The aim of this competition is to:

• Develop ambitious late stage innovative solutions, technologies, systems or approaches that will make significant steps towards improving productivity, profitability, increasing sustainability and resilience
• Help the agriculture sector move towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050
• Support commercialisation of late stage experimental development projects that are close to market and ultimately their adoption by farmers

The deadline for applications is 11am on 17th June 2026.

Learn more and apply here >

Improve Animal Health and Welfare

Payments are available for farmers in England for vet visits and diagnostic testing to reduce endemic diseases, improve productivity, and raise welfare standards across herds and flocks. It is part of the wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. The grant provides direct payments to livestock keepers to cover the cost of these vet visits.

The deadline for applications is 19th June 2027.

Learn more and apply here >

Find more support and opportunities for rural businesses

Visit the 'Funding for Farmers' page on gov.uk for the latest support and opportunities for rural businesses.