£786 per visit: CAFRE seeks 14 farms for new Innovation Network

Announcing the closing date for the application period for Innovation Farms Kenneth Johnston, CAFRE Innovation Farms programme manager.

A new network of Innovation Farms is being launched — and local dairy and beef producers are being urged to step forward before the deadline closes this week.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has opened applications for farmers to become part of its Innovation Farm programme, a key strand of efforts to accelerate sustainable practices across the sector.

Seven beef farms — including suckler and beef finishing enterprises — and seven dairy farms will be appointed in this first phase. Farms from other sectors are expected to follow later this year.

Showcasing sustainable change

The selected farms will host visits and demonstrate how they are embedding innovative, sustainable approaches aligned with the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP).

The objective is clear: increase the rate at which practical innovations are adopted across Northern Ireland’s farming industry.

Innovation Farm Programme Manager Kenneth Johnston urged interested farmers not to delay.

“I would encourage any farmer interested in becoming one of the new Beef or Dairy Innovation farmers not to miss the closing date for applications on Friday 6 March 2026.”

He added:

“Farms will be selected which are aligned with delivering improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, resilience, and are contributing to the delivery of an effective and functioning supply chain together with a focus on One Health. Successful farms may major in one of the areas but must achieve a minimum score in all of them.”

Applicants must be comfortable opening their gates to other farmers and sharing first-hand experience of introducing new systems or practices within their business.

Competitive selection and structured support

Appointments will be made on a competitive basis. Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria and are shortlisted will be assessed by a panel during an on-farm visit.

Successful Innovation Farms will be expected to host between eight and twelve visits, with group sizes ranging from five to twenty-five farmers.

CAFRE technologists, advisers and scheme support staff will assist with preparations. A support staff member will also attend each visit to help manage arrangements.

Innovation Farms will receive a hosting payment of £786 per visit. CAFRE will also support participating farms by analysing the performance of their innovations, providing appropriate diagnostic testing and arranging specialist speakers where appropriate.

TB status clarification

CAFRE has confirmed that farms without Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status may still apply. However, if selected, they will be placed on a reserve list until OTF status is regained.

Part of wider sustainability strategy

The Innovation Farm initiative forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Farming for Sustainability – Innovation Scheme, reinforcing the strategic focus on productivity, environmental responsibility and supply chain resilience.

Farmers interested in applying can find full details and complete the online application at www.cafre.ac.uk by following the Business Support section and selecting Knowledge Transfer Programmes.

Applications close at 4.00pm on Friday 6 March 2026.