The UK government has announced an additional £53 million investment in the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), bringing total funding available for agricultural innovation in the 2026/27 financial year to £123 million .
The new funding, confirmed on June 24 during the launch of Defra’s 25-year Farming Roadmap, builds on the £70 million announced at the NFU Conference in February . The programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, helps farmers, growers and businesses turn new ideas into real-world solutions through on-farm trials and commercial development .
2026 Competition Calendar
Defra has published a forward look of innovation funding opportunities available this year, giving farmers and businesses advance notice to prepare applications .
| Competition | Dates | Funding Available |
|---|---|---|
| ADOPT Full Grant: Round 8 | Opened 4 June, closes 29 July | £50,000-£200,000 for on-farm trials, up to 2 years |
| ADOPT Facilitator Grant: Round 9 | Opened 28 May, closes 8 July | £2,500 for expert support to prepare applications |
| ADOPT Facilitator Grant: Round 10 | Opens 9 July, closes 19 August | £2,500 for expert support |
| Feasibility Studies: Round 5 | Opens 15 July, closes 9 September | £200,000-£500,000 to test innovation viability, up to 2 years |
| ADOPT Full Grant: Round 9 | Opens 30 July, closes 23 September | £50,000-£200,000 for on-farm trials |
| Farming Futures (Automation & Robotics) | Opens 3 August, closes 30 September | Supporting robotics and automation solutions |
| Small R&D: Round 5 | Opens 1 September, closes 14 October | £1 million-£3 million for collaborative R&D, up to 3 years |
| ADOPT Full Grant: Round 10 | Opens 24 September, closes 18 November | £50,000-£200,000 for on-farm trials |
| Farming Futures (Soils & Water) | Winter 2026 | Supporting soil quality and water management innovations |
Real-world impact
Several projects have already benefited from the programme. The SlurryBugs project by EnviroSystems UK, designed to reduce ammonia emissions by improving slurry nutrient value, has received support. Another project involves an East Midlands arable farmer working with Harper Adams University to test whether a gantry robot can replace conventional large-scale machinery, using one-metre-wide strips containing mixed cereals, legumes and companion crops .
Government commitment
“Farmers feed our nation and manage the land that shapes our countryside, yet their contribution has never been valued in the way it deserves,” said Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. “Our roadmap marks a shift away from only looking to the next harvest and towards a plan that gives farmers the long-term clarity they need to innovate, invest and grow with confidence for generations to come” .
The investment forms part of the government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to invest at least £200 million in agricultural innovation by 2030 .
