Farming News: Defra Announces Grants for Commercialising Agricultural Innovation in England
- Shepherd Partnership
- May 27
- 1 min read
UK registered SMEs working in agriculture can apply for grant and investment support through the Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership Competition, administered by Innovate UK. The initiative is intended to help final-stage innovations reach market by aligning public funding with private investment.
A total of up to £5 million is available to fund projects with eligible costs ranging from £750,000 to £3 million. Proposals must be in the late stages of experimental development and demonstrate a clear route to market, supported by a lead investor from the programme's pool. Applicants are required to secure private investment of at least twice the amount of the grant sought.
Eligible projects should contribute to improved productivity, profitability, environmental sustainability, resilience or emissions reduction in line with net zero targets. Proposals must target at least one of the following areas: livestock, plants, novel food production systems, or the bioeconomy and agroforestry. All solutions must deliver clear benefits to farmers, growers or foresters based in England.
The competition is open to single applicants only. Organisations must be UK registered SMEs carrying out project work in the UK and prepared to negotiate private investment terms with a lead investor.
The deadline for applications is 2 July 2025 (11:00).
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