Growers, agri-tech businesses, researchers and innovation partners across Greater Lincolnshire are being encouraged to explore a new £20 million funding competition supporting the development of automation and robotics for farming, horticulture and forestry in England

The funding is available through the Farming Innovation Programme and is designed to help organisations work together to develop practical solutions to challenges facing the sector.

For organisations across the UK Food Valley, this presents an opportunity to build on Greater Lincolnshire's strengths in food production, fresh produce, agricultural technology and research. The competition is looking for collaborative projects that can improve productivity, help address labour shortages and make day-to-day operations more efficient through the use of new technologies.

Projects could focus on activities such as planting, crop management, monitoring and harvesting, bringing together expertise from across the supply chain to develop solutions with practical applications on farms and in growing operations.

This funding round is open to a wider range of sectors than the previous competition. As well as agriculture, applications are welcomed from organisations involved in ornamental plant propagation, growing and monitoring, where technologies may also have applications in food-producing horticulture. Eligible forestry projects include tree nursery operations, planting, woodland monitoring and woodland management systems. Projects focused on heavy machinery and harvesting operations are not eligible.

Funding is available for collaborative projects with a total value between £500,000 and £2.5 million. Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project addresses a real industry challenge and delivers benefits for the sector. Applications close at 11am on 30 September 2026.

Full eligibility details, application guidance and information on upcoming applicant webinars can be found here: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/03/apply-now-for-automation-and-robotics-funding/