Blog - Farmer Collaboration Fund: delivery partners can apply now
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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs blog Delivery
partners can now apply for the first round of the Farmer
Collaboration Fund (FCF). The £30 million fund will help
farmers and land managers work together on local projects that
improve productivity, sustainability and resilience. Delivery
partners are organisations with experience of supporting farmer
collaboration. Funding will support them to establish new
collaboration groups...Request free
trial
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs blog The £30 million fund will help farmers and land managers work together on local projects that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience. Delivery partners are organisations with experience of supporting farmer collaboration. Funding will support them to establish new collaboration groups where there are gaps, support existing groups, appoint facilitators, share learning across the sector, and ensure funding is used effectively and transparently. A summary of the fund The FCF has been shaped through engagement with farmers, land managers and organisations across the sector. At workshops held earlier this year, we heard that successful collaboration takes time and that groups need support to build relationships, develop shared priorities and turn ideas into action. That's why successful delivery partners can receive funding for up to 3 years. This long-term approach reflects what we heard from farmers and gives groups the time and flexibility to develop projects that respond to local needs and opportunities. For that reason, facilitators will provide direct support to farmer groups. They will co-ordinate meetings, arrange speakers and specialist advice, and help farmers agree shared actions. They may also support individual farmers where this contributes to the objectives of the wider group. By working together, farmers can improve their businesses and deliver environmental benefits that would be difficult to achieve alone. This could include sharing machinery to reduce costs, adopting more efficient farming practices, and accessing funding opportunities such as Landscape Recovery. Collaboration groups can also connect farmers with expert advice on issues including succession planning and business diversification. To support collaboration and the sharing of ideas and experience, the FCF will fund activities including:
Applying Guidance Before beginning your application, read the Farmer Collaboration Fund applicant's guide. It explains:
Before applying, check that your organisation can meet the fund requirements and deliver the project for up to 3 years. The guide explains the eligibility criteria for organisations, collaboration groups and activities, as well as the checks you will need to complete before submitting your application. The application form Once you've read the guidance, go to the Find a Grant page, and complete the application form using the portal. It's under the tab 'How to apply.' The application form has 4 sections:
There is a form which contains templates for you to provide details of up to 20 supporting collaboration groups and a spreadsheet, where you can detail your spend. You will also need to provide a milestone plan and roadmap in an attached file, as part of your application. This will help show what actions you will take to deliver the objectives you have identified. Applicants who are unsuccessful in round 1 can apply again in round 2 if they meet the eligibility criteria. If you need further help using the application portal, you can check the user guide, or contact the online helpdesk. You can also call the helpdesk on 029 2279 0054. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays. Learn more Webinar for applicants To help you apply, we recently hosted a webinar for potential applicants. The webinar explains the fund's eligibility requirements, how to prepare a strong application and how applications will be assessed. It also includes answers to questions raised by attendees. Webinar on the application portal On Wednesday 9 September 2026, we're hosting another webinar designed to walk you through the application portal. There will be a live Q&A session where you can put your questions to the team. It will start at 2:30pm and finish at 3:30pm. Dates to note
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