A new £30 million Farmer Collaboration Fund is to open for applications on 1 September, the government has announced. The scheme is intended to help farmers reduce costs, strengthen businesses and improve the natural environment through practical collaboration.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds is highlighting the fund at the Great Yorkshire Show today. The government said the programme will support farmer-led collaboration through peer learning, specialist advice in areas such as soil management, local facilitators and help for new groups.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said collaboration can help farmers bring down costs, manage shared risks and improve soil and water across landscapes. It gave the example of farmers in the Cotswolds working together to learn how better soil health can improve farm outcomes and generate more income.
The fund forms part of the government’s Farming Roadmap and builds on existing work aimed at helping farmers use innovation and build a more productive, resilient and sustainable farming sector. Ministers said the support will be delivered through organisations including charities, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.
According to the government, using trusted local organisations is intended to give farmers access to practical expertise while reducing paperwork. Guidance for the Farmer Collaboration Fund is due to be published in August, before applications open on 1 September and close on 30 September. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in early November.
The government also announced that dedicated funding for farmer welfare and wellbeing is being tripled through a new £1.5 million Farmer Welfare Grant. That grant is due to open for applications on 6 August and will be available over three years for targeted projects supporting personal and business resilience.