Farmer collaboration fund opens with £30m backing

Farmers will be able to apply for a new £30m government fund this autumn aimed at encouraging collaboration to cut costs and strengthen farm businesses.

Launched by Defra at the Great Yorkshire Show on Thursday (16 July), the Farmer Collaboration Fund will support farmer-led groups working together to tackle shared challenges through knowledge exchange, specialist advice and local co-ordination.

The scheme is designed to help farmers improve areas such as soil management, share expertise, manage risks collectively and deliver environmental benefits across wider landscapes, while building more resilient businesses.

See also: Farming Roadmap promises brighter future for England’s farmers

Applications will open on 1 September, following the publication of guidance in August, and close on 30 September.

Successful applicants are expected to be informed in early November.

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said she had seen “first-hand from farmers in different parts of the country how important collaboration and innovation are to the sector’s future”.

The fund forms part of the government’s Farming Roadmap and builds on existing initiatives intended to encourage innovation and improve productivity across the farming sector.

However, rather than providing funding directly to individual farms, the scheme will be delivered through organisations including charities, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.

These organisations will provide practical support, specialist advice and local facilitation, with the aim of reducing administration and helping farmers focus on collaboration.

Building on progress

NFU vice-president Robyn Munt said the fund will help farmers and land managers already working together to “build on the progress made through previous funding and continue delivering practical benefits on the ground”.

“We want to see this funding rolled out across England so it supports all sectors, from upland and lowland farms to livestock, arable and horticulture businesses. The key test will be whether it delivers practical, timely support for farmers and growers,” she said.

Farmer welfare grants

Alongside the collaboration fund, Defra has also announced a new £1.5m farmer welfare grant, available over the next three years.

The grant, which opens for applications on 6 August, will support projects focused on improving farmers’ personal wellbeing and business resilience.

Further details will be published on the Defra Farming Blog ahead of the application window.

Ms Munt welcomed the funding and added: “We will continue to work with Defra on the development and delivery of both funds and encourage farmers to explore the opportunities available to strengthen both business resilience and personal wellbeing.”