A new fund will open for applications in September, helping farmers work together to cut costs, strengthen their businesses and unlock new opportunities.
The new £30-million Farmer Collaboration Fund will help farmers reduce costs and build stronger businesses while improving our precious natural environment. Applications open on 1st September 2026, with further rounds in 2027 and 2028.
At the Great Yorkshire Show on 16th July, the then Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds highlighted how the Farmer Collaboration Fund will help farmers tackle shared challenges by backing practical, farmer-led collaboration through peer learning, specialist advice in key areas like soil management, local facilitators, and support for new groups.
The Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF) will fund delivery partners to support farmers, land managers and growers to work together. This will:
- help farm businesses be more flexible and productive
- achieve more environmental objectives
- support peer learning and new working practices
- allow farmers to share their experiences in collaboration groups
By working collaboratively and sharing knowledge and expertise, farmers can bring down costs, manage shared risks and improve soil and water across landscapes, helping build more resilient businesses while supporting nature. For example, farmers in the Cotswolds have clubbed together to learn from one another how better soil health can improve farm outcomes and generate more income.
The Collaboration Fund will be delivered through organisations including charities, local authorities and NGOs, giving farmers access to trusted local expertise and practical support while reducing paperwork so they can focus on learning from one another and improving their businesses.
Available over three years, the Farmer Welfare Grant will support targeted projects that strengthen farmers’ personal and business resilience, complementing the Government’s wider work to help build thriving, resilient farming businesses through the Government’s Farming Roadmap.