A major funding initiative worth £5 million is being launched to accelerate the commercialisation of advanced agricultural technologies in the UK.
The scheme aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are developing near-market agri-tech innovations with tangible benefits for English farmers and growers.
Opening on 2 June, the Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships programme is a collaborative effort designed to blend public and private investment. SMEs will be able to access government grants alongside private capital from a pool of more than 150 pre-qualified investors, helping to de-risk innovation and fast-track the deployment of high-impact solutions.
The competition targets projects that can be delivered within 18 months and cost between £750,000 and £3 million. All work must be carried out within the UK. Grant funding will cover up to 45% of eligible project costs for micro and small businesses, and up to 35% for medium-sized firms.
The new round builds on the success of a pilot phase that attracted more than £10 million in private investment and supported pioneering technologies, including a robotic harvester that automates the broccoli harvest and converts crop waste into protein-rich ingredients.
The application window closes on 2 July, giving innovators one month to put forward proposals that promise to revolutionise the UK farming landscape.
