Agri‑Innovators, Defra’s Farming Innovation Fund Is Back!
14th May 2026
The UK agricultural sector is standing at a pivotal moment. With rising pressures around sustainability, productivity, and the race to reach net zero by 2050, innovation is no longer optional — it’s essential. That’s why the Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership, delivered through Innovate UK, represents such a significant opportunity for forward‑thinking agri‑businesses.
This funding competition offers up to £5 million to support ambitious, late‑stage innovations that can transform farming across England. It’s designed specifically for UK‑registered micro, small, and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to commercialise solutions that are nearly market‑ready.
Funding details at a glance
- Total grant funding available: Up to £5 million
- Eligible project costs: £750,000 to £3 million
- Who can apply: UK‑registered SMEs
- Competition opened: 11 May 2026
- Competition closes: 17 June 2026 at 11:00am
For more information, please visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2472/overview/8d51ea8e-212a-4a55-8e32-3237f92a86f2?trk=feed_main-feed-card_feed-article-content
This is just 1 of 34 grant funding opportunities. To see the full list of grants, please visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/search
