The grants can be used to boost productivity in the livestock, arable, horticultural and forestry sectors and create ground-breaking new technology – unlocking innovation in the farming industry.

The grants worth between £5,000 and £150,000 will be available for projects for up to three years to encourage new farming techniques, as well as improve the sustainability of the farming and forestry sectors.

Commenting on the scheme Farming Minister George Eustice said: "This fund will enable groups to come together to test and implement exciting new ideas to solve problems and increase farm and forest productivity. By looking to other sectors, such as medicine, for inspiration and knowledge transfer, it facilitates even greater innovation.

"I look forward to seeing the interesting work that will follow to boost and protect rural productivity."