Farming Connect have announced that the try Out Fund scheme has returned, and that farmers can apply for the grants between 27 January and 17 February 2025. The aim of the funding is to support farmer to try out different ways of farming, diversifying what they produce and to see what they can do differently that works for them on their farms.
In a statement, Menna Williams the project lead said:
“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.
There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’
Successful applicants will receive up to £5,000 to fund trials and experiments on their farms that put their ideas to work. Menna Williams emphasised that the aim of the project isn’t to fund new equipment, but rather to allow farmers to compare different treatments or management systems. She said:
“Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.’’
There are certain criteria and specific requirements that applicants must meet. Projects are required to try to improve production and profit efficiency, while also protecting the environment by following Environmental guidelines. Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and the proposed programme must be completed by January 2026. Advice is available on Farming Connect’s website on how to complete the application form.
Successful applicants will share their results and experiences with other farmers in Wales by producing a report in collaboration with one of Farming Connect’s team and by attending information sharing events. For more information contact fctryout@mentera.cymru.