A fresh wave of agri-innovation is taking shape across UK farms as the first projects funded through DEFRA’s Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) programme move into delivery — alongside the launch of a new round of funding.
Launched earlier this year under the Farming Innovation Programme and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, ADOPT provides grants for farmer-led on-farm trials, enabling growers to test and demonstrate practical, cutting-edge solutions to real-world agricultural challenges. Early projects are already generating valuable insights that could help accelerate innovation uptake across the sector.
These trials are designed to produce the kind of evidence farmers trust most — tested on working farms, under real operating conditions. Crucially, findings will be shared openly, allowing other growers to assess whether new approaches could work within their own systems.
Real Trials, Real Impact
The first wave of ADOPT-funded projects reflects the breadth of innovation now emerging at farm level:
- UV-C Light For Carrot Protection – Carrot producers are exploring the use of ultraviolet C light to reduce reliance on chemical fungicides by targeting foliar diseases such as Alternaria, with trials taking place across commercial growing sites.
- Rapid Mastitis Detection Tools – Dairy farms in the North East are trialling a diagnostic system capable of identifying mastitis pathogens in under two hours, offering the potential for faster, more targeted treatment and reduced antibiotic use.
- AI-Driven Bird Deterrents – Brassica and salad growers are testing an AI-powered bird deterrent system that uses computer vision and adaptive responses to protect crops without harming wildlife.
Hosted by progressive growers and delivered in collaboration with technology developers and agronomy specialists, the projects aim to build a robust, farmer-validated evidence base for future adoption.
Funding Opens For Round 5 (And Beyond)
With initial trials now underway, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has opened Round 5 of the Full ADOPT Grant, offering a share of up to £4.5 million to support collaborative on-farm innovation projects.
Eligible projects must have total costs between £50,000 and £100,000, with applications closing on 4 February 2026. A further funding round is expected to follow shortly afterwards.
Alongside this, a Facilitator Grant is also available, providing up to £2,500 to help farmers, growers and foresters access expert support when developing applications — particularly aimed at those new to competitive innovation funding.
Why It Matters
By backing practical experimentation and farmer-led testing, ADOPT is helping to bridge the long-standing gap between innovation and adoption in agriculture. For growers, it offers confidence that new technologies work in real conditions. For innovators, it provides a clear route to market validation.
With funding now open and more rounds planned through 2026, ADOPT is set to play a growing role in shaping the future of UK farming — one field trial at a time.
