Farming Innovation Accelerator
The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator helps farmers and growers drive growth, become more profitable and improve efficiency.
Apply by 16 August 2026 for grants of up to £35,000 and expert support for your business.
About the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator
The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator is a Surrey County Council initiative designed to help farmers and growers drive growth, become more profitable and improve efficiency.
It offers eligible businesses 100% direct funding between £10,000 and £35,000.
The grant – which requires no match funding – will support digital projects designed to modernise operations, improve productivity, diversify and boost long-term resilience.
You’ll also receive expert support to improve your wider business, including specialist consultancy, courses and peer-to-peer learning.
Apply by 16 August 2026 via the Farming Innovation Accelerator application form.
Who is eligible for the Farming Innovation Accelerator?
The programme is open to Surrey-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) whose primary activity involves owning, renting or actively managing agricultural or rural land.
Projects must demonstrate how the proposed digital project will deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, profitability, resilience, sustainability or business growth.
Eligible businesses include:
- Farming – arable or livestock
- Horticulture – including vineyards, orchards, hop growers and market gardens
- Forestry and woodland management
- Beekeeping
- Equine enterprises
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are those with:
- Less than 250 employees
- Equal or less than £44m annual turnover
- Equal or less than £38m annual balance sheet
You must also have received less than £315,000 in public funding or subsidy in the last three years
For a full list of possible projects, visit the Farming Innovation Accelerator application page.
What should I expect?
The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator is a highly competitive opportunity to grow your business and boost revenue.
In order to ensure everyone gets the most out of the opportunity we ask that applicants are prepared to invest time over a six month period running from September 2026 to March 2027.
This includes:
- 1-2-1 sessions with a business advisor
- Attendance at monthly check ins (online)
- Attend in-person courses and training webinars (circa 6 sessions- dates TBC)
- Sharing of ongoing successes
- Completion of end of programme evaluation
Do you have questions about the programme? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.
Contact us
Further support for Surrey farmers and rural businesses
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Surrey’s economy.
According to a recent University of Surrey report, there are about 500 farms in the county, contributing around £502 million a year to the local economy. This accounts for 14% of national farming income.
Business Surrey provides a range of fully-funded support for all businesses in the county. This includes expert guides, toolkits, webinars, events and 121 advice.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.
Business support form