The latest round of the ADOPT grant has more than doubled its funding pot and it could mean the programme ends sooner than many anticipated.

The Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund provides grants to farmers and growers to trial innovative technologies or practices on-farm. Its aim is to speed up the development and adoption of practical solutions to key industry challenges.

However, recent changes to Round 6 may significantly alter the programme’s timeline.

Round 6 Key Dates

• Applications opened: Early February 2026
• Application deadline: 8 April 2026

Applicants may appoint a Project Facilitator to prepare and submit their application, with a separate ADOPT fund available to cover these costs.

What has changed in Round 6?

In previous rounds, applicants competed for a share of a £2 million funding pot, with individual projects able to cost up to £100,000. While projects could total £100,000, grant funding typically covered up to 80% of eligible costs (or less depending on company size and subsidy eligibility), meaning most businesses claimed a maximum of around £80,000.

Round 6 marks a significant shift as the funding allocation has increased to £5 million.

This change alters the projected trajectory of the overall £20 million ADOPT fund and signals a stronger commitment to supporting innovation.

Could ADOPT close earlier than expected?

Originally, with £2 million allocated per round, the £20 million fund was expected to be distributed across 10 rounds (with up to 20 successful applicants per round).

With £5 million now allocated to Round 6, this strongly suggests that Rounds 6 and 7 could distribute the remaining £10 million.

At present, details of Round 7 have not yet been confirmed, and we await further announcements from DEFRA and UKRI. However, the increased allocation in Round 6 suggests that early preparation gives you the strongest chance of securing funding so applicant should act promptly.

What is next for ADOPT?

DEFRA have announced a further £30 million for ADOPT in the 2026/27 financial year as part of £120 million investment in farm innovation.

If ADOPT continues with £5 million per round, then expect 6 rounds to be delivered across the year with a 2-month application window.

However, there has been no confirmation on when the new funding will be released so prospective projects should favour the established rounds 6 and 7.

What should you do now?

If the funding timeline is accelerated, preparation time may be more limited than expected.

Prospective applicants should:

• Assess the viability and innovation of their project
• Consider how their proposal addresses industry challenges
• Engage a Project Facilitator as early as possible to write and submit the application (a separate ADOPT fund will cover these costs)
• Begin compiling supporting documentation without delay

Reviewing previously successful ADOPT projects via FarmPEP, Live Projects | FarmPEP, can provide valuable insight and inspiration.

Exploring alternative funding

If ADOPT does conclude earlier than expected, alternative grant routes are available although many are now focused on environmental delivery.

Current examples include:

• Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) – extended until March 2029
• Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) – opening 17 March 2026 to support adoption of new technology for farm productivity, slurry management, and animal health and welfare.
• The Paludiculture Fund – supporting water infrastructure, machinery adaptation and related improvements

For some businesses, aligning projects with environmental outcomes may unlock additional funding opportunities.

How NFU Energy can support you

As a specialist consultancy, NFU Energy provides comprehensive support to help you:

• Identify the most suitable grant opportunities
• Refine your project concept to meet eligibility criteria
• Collaborate with industry expects and partners to strengthen your proposal
• Develop a compliant and competitive application
• Manage timelines and submission requirements

With funding timelines potentially tightening, early planning is critical. If you would like to discuss your project concept or explore funding options, contact us on 024 7669 6512 or email [email protected] and we will be pleased to help.

Information correct as of 27th February 2026.