£12,000 grants available for joint farmer trials in Wales

Farmers across Wales are being invited to apply for funding to test new ideas through collaborative on-farm trials led by farmer groups.

Farming Connect has opened applications for its Our Farms Network initiative, offering up to £12,000 (excluding VAT) a project to support short-term, farmer-led innovation.

There is no requirement for match funding.

See also: Farmers in Wales asked to re-register with Farming Connect

The scheme is open to Farming Connect Discussion Groups, Agrisgôp groups and other established farmer discussion groups, encouraging participants to work together to tackle common challenges, trial new approaches and share practical findings.

Past success

Previous projects have demonstrated the benefits of collaborative working, including one dairy discussion group which significantly reduced mastitis cases, with potential annual savings estimated at more than £130,000 for a single farm.

Other projects focusing on liver fluke control helped participating farmers improve their understanding of disease risk, informing future flock and herd management.

The programme supports the Welsh government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme and Sustainable Land Management framework by encouraging practical, evidence-based improvements in productivity, resilience and environmental performance.

Application criteria

Projects must involve at least five farmers and demonstrate active collaboration.

Applicant groups must also be well-established, with at least four meetings held in the past 12 months and a further four planned during the project.

Funding can be used to pay for:

• Specialist advice, including consultants and scientists
• Equipment hire for monitoring and data collection, sampling, technical reporting
• Activities to communicate project findings more widely

Farming Connect says it is looking for well-planned proposals that demonstrate strong collaboration, good value for money and benefits that extend beyond the participating farms.

Applications must be submitted by the discussion group lead on behalf of members, with the agreement of all participants.

All participating farmers must also have re-registered with Farming Connect through Rural Payments Wales.

The application deadline is 3 August 2026.

A briefing webinar for prospective applicants will be held on 8 July, from 8.15am to 9am, with registration available through the Farming Connect website.