The world of farming is changing fast — and technology is playing a big part. If you’ve got an idea or new practice you want to try out on your farm, the ADOPT Fund could help you make it happen.
On 14th April, the government announced the launch of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund, part of a £45.6 million investment in farm innovation for 2025/26.
Designed to support farmers looking to test new technologies on their farms and bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application, a range of support is now available to help you get started—including a webinar and initial funding to bring in expert help and guidance.
Read on to find out more!
What is the ADOPT Fund?
ADOPT stands for Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies. It’s a new fund from Defra that backs farmer-led innovation — practical, on-farm projects that test new tools or approaches.
The goal? To help farmers:
- Boost productivity.
- Cut GHG emissions.
- Build resilience to climate, market, and labour challenges.
This is about real-world, working-farm trials — not blue-sky research. ADOPT is specifically designed to help more farmers get new tech and ideas working on the ground, faster.
What funding is available?
Two types of ADOPT grants are available:
- Full ADOPT Grant
If you’ve got an idea for an on-farm trial or demo, this is for you. You can apply for between £50,000 and £100,000 to test out new tools or practices. This could be solo or with other farmers, researchers, or tech providers. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
- ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant
Need help shaping your idea? This £2,500 grant helps you bring in a registered Project Facilitator to guide your application and plan your project. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Terrafarmer’s Jack Pierce is a registered ADOPT Project Facilitator and can support you through the process. Get in touch today!
What kind of projects could get ADOPT funding?
Here are some of the example projects Defra has highlighted:
- Robotic harvesting: saving time and labour while improving crop quality.
- Lameness detection in dairy herds: using sensors to spot problems early and improve welfare.
- Circular systems and renewable inputs: like turning biogas digestate into water-soluble fertiliser.
If you’re trialling something that can make farming more productive, resilient or sustainable, it’s worth looking into.
How do I apply for ADOPT?
Applications open via Innovate UK on 28 April.
Farmers can access tailored advice and apply for a £2,500 facilitator support grant at the ADOPT Support Hub to help them through idea development, grant application, and trial process. If you want to apply for the facilitator support grant, it’s worth starting conversations now so your application is ready to go.
🔗 You can find registered Project Facilitators in the ADOPT Support Hub directory OR get in touch with Jack Pierce today!
ADOPT Webinar – Find out more
Defra is hosting a free ADOPT funding opportunity information webinar from 10am to 12pm on 30 April for anyone thinking about applying. It’s a good chance to ask questions and get clear on the process.
What’s next?
ADOPT is just the start. In May 2025, two more Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) competitions are launching:
- £12.5 million for collaborative R&D to cut on-farm emissions
- £12.5 million for precision breeding projects
That brings the total investment for 2025/26 to £45.6 million — and plenty of opportunities for farms ready to innovate.
Got any questions or want to talk through an idea?
As a registered ADOPT Project Facilitator, Terrafarmer’s Jack Pierce can answer your questions and help you shape your ideas.
Get in touch today to see how the ADOPT Fund could work for you!
About the author
Jack specialises in helping farms through the agricultural transition and unlocking grant funding opportunities, with a particular interest in using innovative technology and practices to increase productivity and performance. He is a committee member of the Wiltshire Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution charity.
About the author
Jack specialises in helping farms through the agricultural transition and unlocking grant funding opportunities, with a particular interest in using innovative technology and practices to increase productivity and performance. He is a committee member of the Wiltshire Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution charity.
