Defra future farm funding webinars open this week

Farmers, land managers and rural organisations in England are being reminded to sign up for two Defra-backed webinars taking place next week.

Both webinars are aimed at groups interested in securing future funding for collaborative and innovative projects.

An online session on the new Farmer Collaboration Fund, which will be held on Tuesday 19 May from 2-4pm.

Interested parties must register in advance to attend via Eventbrite.

See also: Farmers invited to shape £30m collaboration fund

The fund, expected to open for applications later this year, will support farmer-led groups working together on projects that improve businesses and deliver environmental benefits.

Up to £2.5m will be available in 2026-27, with projects funded for as long as three years.

Defra expects to support up to 10 projects in the first year.

The fund will close for applications at midnight on 31 May.

The webinar is aimed at organisations considering applying as delivery partners, including charities, farmer-led groups, local authorities, National Landscapes and commercial businesses.

Officials will explain how the scheme is expected to operate and answer questions from potential applicants.

The session follows growing industry interest in the wider £30m collaboration initiative first proposed in Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review.

Farming innovation fund

Meanwhile, a webinar will take place at midday on Monday 18 May, focusing on the latest Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition delivered with Innovate UK.

The competition offers £5m in grant funding to help businesses developing near-commercial agricultural innovations attract private investment. Applications close on 17 June.

Eligible projects must benefit farmers or growers in England and can receive grants covering up to 45% of costs for smaller businesses.

Applicants are being encouraged to attend the briefing sessions to understand the funding criteria, application process and opportunities available through both schemes.

The schemes are designed to strengthen collaboration, improve productivity and support practical environmental outcomes across the English farming sector further.