What the accelerator fund will do
The Integrated Farm Planning (IFP) Accelerator Fund has $14.4 million to spend over 4 years. It will invest in initiatives that help farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners adopt an integrated approach to their farm planning.
About integrated farm planning
Integrated farm planning involves different aspects of existing:
- farm management
- planning
- reporting responsibilities.
For example, a business could integrate its farm environment plan, freshwater farm plan, business plan, health and safety plan, and others.
It allows farmers and growers to make the most efficient use of their data. It also helps them respond to future changes, such as new regulations or evolving market requirements.
Taking this whole-farm approach to planning will streamline compliance and reduce duplication. It also provides a structured approach for food and fibre producers to better identify risks and opportunities that help lift performance and meet their business goals.
Who can apply for funding
We’re seeking applications that scale-up or modify existing programmes or activities to better align them with integrated farm planning.
We’d like to hear ideas from:
- industry bodies and groups with existing farm planning programmes and a focus on building capability
- Industry Assurance Programmes (IAPs)
- regional councils
- whenua Māori entities and organisations supporting Māori agribusiness
- established extension and catchment groups looking to undertake farm planning initiatives
- organisations with existing networks in rural communities.
The fund is not open to individual farmers or growers, or for the development of new digital or physical planning tools.
How the funding will be targeted
We're accepting applications for funding in 2 phases. If you’re unsure where you fit, send us an expression of interest so we can provide guidance. One of our advisers will be in touch to discuss the project.
IFP Accelerator Fund expression of interest form [PDF, 182 KB]
IFP Accelerator Fund expression of interest form [DOCX, 75 KB]
Read our guidance document, before you apply
IFP Accelerator Fund guideline for applicants [PDF, 263 KB]
Phase 1 funding
Phase 1 funding is for projects that will:
- connect with many farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners, and
- accelerate the adoption of integrated farm planning and the scope of its use.
The funding round for phase 1 closes at 5 pm on 25 May 2022.
IFP Accelerator Fund application form [PDF, 286 KB]
IFP Accelerator Fund application form [DOCX, 81 KB]
Phase 2 funding
Phase 2 funding is for targeted, smaller projects from organisations such as newer farmer support groups. These groups may not have worked with a government agency like the Ministry for Primary Industries before and may need extra support.
Expressions of Interest for phase 2 are now being accepted.
IFP Accelerator Fund phase 2 expression of interest form [PDF, 182 KB]
IFP Accelerator Fund phase 2 expression of interest form [DOCX, 75 KB]
Completed applications must be received by 31 August 2022.
How proposals will be assessed
Proposals will be assessed on 5 main criteria. We need robust evidence of how your project will meet these criteria.
