UFU highlights new Supply Chain Transformation Fund opportunity

DAERA’s new Supply Chain Transformation Fund will provide funding of up to £180,000 at a 100% grant rate for eligible collaborative projects involving partners from both pre-farmgate and post-farmgate parts of the supply chain.

Projects will be expected to address strategic challenges or opportunities facing the agri-food sector, with areas including improved information and transparency, supply chain resilience, technology, market development, environmental sustainability and skills.

UFU Policy and Communications Director James McCluggage said: “This is an opportunity that members with ideas for improving how the supply chain works should be aware of. The focus on bringing farmers and others within the supply chain together to address shared challenges is particularly welcome.

“The scheme is still at an early stage and further guidance will follow, but we would encourage members who may have a suitable project or an idea worth exploring to register their interest and find out more.”

Projects can run for up to three years, although the fund will not support capital expenditure. Applications must involve at least one pre-farmgate and one post-farmgate partner, with additional requirements applying where an individual farmer or grower is involved.

Further guidance and workshops to help develop proposals are expected in early 2027.

Members interested in the scheme can register an Expression of Interest through the Supply Chain Transformation Fund EOI