In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, the UK government has announced a £2.3 million investment in farmer-led trials to evaluate green farming technologies, digital tools, and low-emission equipment on operational farms. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector, with a keen focus on enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact.
The funding will support thirty projects, each designed to test cutting-edge solutions under real-world farming conditions. The ADOPT Fund, which facilitates these trials, is part of a broader £20 million budget allocated for the 2025-2026 financial year. This programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, ensures that new technologies are rigorously tested before widespread adoption.
One of the projects receiving funding is led by J&E Graham, which will trial peat-free compost made from short rotation coppice willow grown in agroforestry systems. The project aims to blend this willow with other local materials to create compost mixes that can serve as effective growing media. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on peat and artificial fertilisers, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
Similarly, W.S. Furnival Limited will retrofit an older Massey Ferguson 290 tractor to operate on green methanol. This project will assess the feasibility of converting diesel tractors to run on green methanol, offering a low-carbon alternative where electric tractors are not viable. This could be a game-changer for farms looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on machinery performance.
Another notable project is DigiTwinFarm, led by G J Jelley & Sons, which will trial a Farm Digital Twin Platform on two distinct beef and sheep farms. Utilising drone imagery, farm records, and on-farm testing, this platform aims to support nutrient planning, environmental monitoring, and daily farm management. The digital twin concept could revolutionise farm management by providing real-time data and insights, thereby enhancing decision-making processes.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “By backing innovative ideas that boost productivity and resilience, we’re helping farmers lead the way in shaping a modern, sustainable agricultural sector. This Fund sits at the heart of our Industrial Strategy and is turning brilliant ideas into real-world solutions.”
Dr Stella Peace, Managing Director and Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, added, “Innovate UK is working with Defra to deliver ADOPT, taking technology to the next scale and into adoption. By supporting farmer trials, ADOPT aims to strengthen the UK’s leadership in sustainable agri-tech, advance productivity and build more resilient food systems.”
The implications of this investment are far-reaching. By supporting farmer-led innovation, the UK government is not only promoting sustainable practices but also positioning the country as a leader in agri-tech. The trials will provide valuable data and insights, helping to refine and scale technologies that can be adopted by farmers across the country. This initiative is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural sector, ensuring that UK farmers remain at the forefront of global agricultural innovation.