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How collaboration helped one farm secure ADOPT funding

England
Farm Practices
Defra
Finance

Finding the right partners can make all the difference when developing a project and applying for funding. Sam and Claire Beaumont share how collaboration, specialist expertise and ongoing support helped them develop their ADOPT project at Gowbarrow Hall Farm in the Lake District.

Sam and Claire farm at Gowbarrow Hall Farm, where they rear Shorthorn cattle, Kune Kune pigs and Cumbrian Fell ponies. In March 2026, the farm was awarded ADOPT funding to explore how agroforestry could be integrated into its farming system, focusing on two fields.

How did the project idea develop?

The project was initially developed with support from the Organic Research Centre (ORC), which was aware of Sam and Claire's interest in introducing more trees to specific areas of the farm.

Early discussions with the ORC included a workshop bringing together agroforestry specialists from several organisations. This provided an opportunity to explore ideas and draw on a range of expertise to help shape the initial designs.

When the ORC became aware of the ADOPT funding opportunity, it offered to facilitate the project and suggested collaborating with Dr Vincent Walsh, who developed the Biohub in Nidderdale. Working with him provided an opportunity for Sam and Claire to learn from an established agroforestry approach and consider how it could be adapted to the specific conditions and needs of their own farm.

Farmers do not need to have all the knowledge, expertise or capacity to develop and deliver a project themselves. Finding the right partners can help turn an initial idea into a practical proposal.

Sam and Claire particularly valued the collaborative approach to designing the project, with everyone working together to develop plans suited to their farm. They appreciate the opportunity to learn from practices developed elsewhere and adapt these to their own circumstances, rather than starting from scratch.

What support did they receive with their funding application?

While Vincent brought practical experience of implementing agroforestry on another farm, the ORC provided considerable support throughout the application process, completing the majority of the paperwork and helping to develop the proposal. Its involvement has not ended now that funding has been secured. The ORC continues to facilitate the project, providing guidance and support as it progresses.

The project has also been allocated a Monitoring Officer employed by Innovate UK. The officer has been helpful in answering questions and ensuring the project progresses in line with the programme's requirements.

Sam and Claire value the support available through the ADOPT programme, including its dedicated support team. They see this as a positive difference compared with schemes monitored by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The experience has reinforced the value of having the right people involved from the outset, both to develop a strong project and to provide support along the way.

What are the main lessons for other farmers?

For farmers considering an ADOPT project, Sam and Claire's experience highlights the importance of building a strong project team. Farmers do not need to have all the knowledge, expertise or capacity to develop and deliver a project themselves. Finding the right partners can help turn an initial idea into a practical proposal.

Potential partners might include research organisations, specialist advisers or other farmers with relevant experience.

And the good news is that you don't necessarily have to cover the cost of this support yourself. The ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant provides £2,500 towards the cost of working with an external project facilitator.

You can find out more about ADOPT funding here.

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