Successful delivery partners will be able to support collaboration groups for up to three years
Organisations that help farmers work together can now apply for a share of Defra’s £30 million Farmer Collaboration Fund, with successful delivery partners able to receive support for up to three years.
The funding is not being offered directly to individual farmers in this first round. Instead, it will back organisations that establish and support collaboration groups, appoint facilitators and help farmers develop shared projects.
Defra said delivery partners should have experience of supporting farmer collaboration and will be expected to work with both new and existing groups.
Their role will include coordinating meetings, arranging specialist advice, helping farmers agree shared priorities and ensuring funding is used effectively.
The fund, which has now opened for applications, has been shaped by discussions with farmers, land managers and organisations across the sector.
Defra said feedback from workshops earlier this year showed that “successful collaboration takes time” and that groups often need sustained support to build relationships and turn ideas into action.
That has led to funding being made available for up to three years, giving groups more time to develop projects around local needs.
The scheme could support farmers working together to share machinery and reduce costs, adopt more efficient farming practices or access other funding opportunities such as Landscape Recovery.
Collaboration groups could also receive expert advice on issues including succession planning and business diversification.
Other supported activities include peer-to-peer learning, farm walks, group visits, workshops, knowledge exchange events, training and specialist advice.
Applicants will need to demonstrate experience of working with farmers and building partnerships with organisations involved in agricultural collaboration.
They must also explain what they want to achieve, how groups will be supported and how projects will continue once the three-year funding period ends.
Applications can include details for up to 20 collaboration groups.
Defra said prospective delivery partners must first meet the eligibility requirements before their wider application is assessed.
Organisations unsuccessful in the first round will be able to apply again in round two if they remain eligible.
A webinar has already been held covering eligibility, application preparation and assessment.
Defra will also hold a further webinar on 9 September between 2.30pm and 3.30pm to guide applicants through the online portal and answer questions.
For farmers, the fund is intended to create more opportunities to work collectively on challenges that may be difficult or expensive to tackle individually.
Successful delivery partners will ultimately be responsible for turning the £30m programme into practical farmer groups and projects over the next three years.