DEFRA recently announced two new funding competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). Firstly, there is the Small R&D Partnerships (Round 4) which is worth £7.8 million and secondly is the Feasibility Studies (Round 4), worth £4.8 million.
Both grant opportunities are focused on innovative projects but at different stages of development. Feasibility Studies aims to prove that a theoretical project would work in practice whereas the R&D fund brings an established idea closer to commercial markets.
The grant pots are small and therefore competitive. Small R&D Partnerships will fund projects from £1 million to £3 million lasting up to 30 months. Feasibility studies will fund projects from £200,000 to £500,000 lasting up to 24 months.
Small R&D Partnerships opened on the 15 September and closes the 05 November. The Feasibility Studies opens on the 13 October and closes on the 03 December. Please read below for more information about these opportunities.
If there are opportunities that fall within this project scope, then please contact us on 024 769 6512 or info@nfuenergy.co.uk to establish an introductory meeting where we can establish the eligibility and likelihood of advancing the project.
Small R&D Partnerships (Develop a new farming product or service)
Purpose:
Supports collaborative development of new farming products or services that bring proven ideas closer to market.
Eligibility and Scope:
- Lead by a UK-registered business, in collaboration with businesses, research organisations, and/or farmers, growers or foresters.
- Projects must deliver tangible benefits to farmers or growers in England, boosting productivity, sustainability, environmental performance, and resilience.
Funding and Duration:
- £1 million – £3 million total project costs
- Project length: up to 30 months
- Funding rates:
- Industrial research:
- Small/micro: 70%, Medium: 60%, Large: 50%
- Experimental development:
- Small/micro: 45%, Medium: 35%, Large: 25%
- Industrial research:
Timeline:
- Guidance available now
- Competition opens: 15 September 2025
- Consortia-building event: 18 September 2025
- Closes: 5 November 2025
Feasibility Studies (Determine whether a research idea works in practice)
Funds early-stage, practical testing of research ideas to determine if they are worth further development.
Eligibility and Scope:
- Lead by a UK-registered business, collaborating with research organisations and/or farmers, growers, or foresters.
- Must benefit farmers, growers, or foresters in England, by solving real-world problems, enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, and improving resilience.
Funding and Duration:
- £200,000–£500,000 total project costs
- Projects last up to 24 months
- Funding rates for businesses:
- Small/micro: up to 70%, Medium: 60%, Large: 50%
Timeline:
- Guidance published: 29 September 2025
- Competition opens: 13 October 2025
- Consortia-building event: 14 October 2025
- Closes: 3 December 2025
Final notes and next steps
Both competitions emphasise collaboration, practical impact, environmental sustainability, and benefit to farmers in England. Due to the competitive nature of the funds, please contact NFU Energy on 024 769 6512 or info@nfuenergy.co.uk to determine the eligibility of your projects and employ our support to give your project the best chance to obtain funding.
