ADOPT update: bigger projects for Round 8
Discover what has already been funded and where to find us this summer
For ADOPT Full grants, the project cost limit has been increased from £100k to £200k. This change responds to feedback from the farming community. A larger project budget means a single application can bring in more farming partners, so more farmers can benefit from the funding. It creates scope for greater impact from each project — more ambitious trials, tested across more farms — and makes it easier to engage research organisations, technology providers and the wider industry where that strengthens the work.
While the funding ceiling has doubled, the core of ADOPT remains unchanged. Projects must still be farmer-led and focused on practical trials that can deliver tangible outcomes for farm businesses. If you have applied to previous ADOPT rounds, don’t worry, you can apply again with a new idea or a new context.
See ADOPT in action this summer
Farmers and industry stakeholders will have several opportunities to engage with ADOPT in person over the coming months.
The AHDB and ADOPT Field Tested Roadshow has already visited farms across the country, showcasing live trials and giving farmers the chance to hear directly from those running ADOPT projects. One final event remains:
- 24 June – Strategic Cereal Farm North, York
Focused on soils, nutrients and crop productivity, with live demonstrations and opportunities to meet project teams.
ADOPT will also be present at major industry events:
- Cereals 2026 (10–11 June, Oxfordshire)
Including a panel discussion in the Young Farmer’s tent on on-farm innovation featuring farmers involved in ADOPT projects. - Groundswell 2026 (1–2 July, Hertfordshire)
With a strong programme of activity, including farmer-led discussions, project showcases, and opportunities to meet the ADOPT team at The Study and The Snug.
These events offer a chance to see ADOPT-funded innovation in practice, connect with other farmers, and explore ideas for future projects.
Start shaping your idea
With larger project funding available and strong support in place, Round 8 presents a major opportunity for farmers ready to test new ideas.
The ADOPT Support Hub, led by ADAS in collaboration with UK Agri-Tech Centre and Soil Association is free to use and open to anyone considering an application.
Find out more or speak to the team:
farmpep.net/adopt | adoptsupport@adas.co.uk | 0800 987 8006