Innovation Partnerships

Innovation Partnerships offer a new funding opportunity under the Farming for Sustainability – Innovation Scheme delivered as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. They aim to support farmer‑led innovation and collaboration across Northern Ireland’s agri‑food sector.

Applications are invited from groups of farmers working in partnership with industry experts to develop and deliver innovative projects that address key challenges, opportunities, or emerging issues facing the agri‑food industry.

Funded projects must demonstrate alignment with one or more of the following priority areas:

• Improved environmental sustainability
• One Health approaches
• Enhanced productivity
• Increased sector resilience
• A more effective and efficient supply chain

Applications must be submitted by collaborations of at least two applicants from different organisations, with the appropriate expertise for the proposed project.  At least one applicant must be from a farm business holding a DAERA Category 1 Business Identification Number.

The application is a two stage process. In Stage 1, DAERA seeks applications from interested parties which will include a short description of the problem, potential innovative solutions and likely impact on the wider sector / industry.  Up to 14 applications will receive funding support of up to £6,500 to establish an Operational Group to develop their Stage 2 project plan application. The seven highest‑scoring applications will be eligible for up to £150,000 of funding per project, over a three‑year period. In addition, projects may apply for capital funding of up to £40,000 of grant support, available at a 50% grant rate, for capital items that are essential to the delivery of the project.

Stage 1 applications for Innovation Partnerships close at 4.00pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Further information can also be obtained by emailing innovation.partnerships@daera-ni.gov.uk