Project wrap up: Farming in a Changing Climate

Having established a strong partnership with Northumberland County Council, especially the Climate Change Team, 2025 saw the latest phase of our Innovate UK funded project draw to a close.

Three years, six hundred participants and thirty farmer’s marts

Over nearly three years and across two phases, we took a design-led approach to the complex challenges that face farmers who want to become and remain sustainable, both financially and environmentally.

Over the project, we talked to over 600 farmers, land managers, agents, agronomists, vets and those providing support services. We held eight workshops, and delivered two key conferences. The team attended over 30 farmer’s marts, asking questions and spending time with farmers to understand their challenges, what was going well and getting feedback on proposed services developed.

Key challanges identified

Some of the key challenges identified included the lack of base line data held by many farmers, due to the complexity of carbon and emission auditing tools, the lack of bespoke, comprehensive business support and the key challenges of remaining financially viable in changing times, with uncertainty around future funding schemes.

Piloting new service solutions

The team piloted multiple new service solutions, including a carbon auditing blueprint with the farmer’s needs at the centre, bespoke business support clinics, and comprehensive and accessible directories of support available.

The project also developed a suite of videos, tailored for specific audiences, contributed to DEFRA consultations and informed regional strategy, policy development and service design.

Farmers on an Open Farm Day visit, seeing regenerative farming methods in action at Tyne Valley Farm.