Project update: Workshops underway to test green finance tool

Hello Farm Gate is an innovative green finance tool that is being designed for farmers to use to quickly identify funding opportunities that are relevant to their farm type, location, and individual business needs.

Natural England has commissioned Hello Lamp Post to develop the AI-powered Digital Assistant tool, and Innovation for Agriculture is working with the designers to ensure farmers have the opportunity to test and help shape it.

How will the tool work?

Rather than searching across multiple websites and schemes, the app is designed to bring the most suitable options together in one place, saving farmers time and effort.

The app will be a product of the insight, experiences, and in-depth knowledge of those involved in the whole process, to assist farmers with navigating complex topics such as funding options and providing clear next steps to enable them to proceed with applying for the most suitable types of funding.

How is it being tested?

The first round of testing was held earlier in 2026. Now, a second series of workshops is underway, talking place at various locations across the country.

During each workshop, participating farmers have a go at using the app and provide feedback on their experience of it. Farmers taking part in the workshops will receive a £75 gift card and their feedback will directly influence the further development of the tool.

If you are interested in taking part in one of the remaining workshops, the dates and locations are listed below:

• 27^th October, Ashford Livestock Market, Kent
• 10^th November, Heritage Grange At Thurston, East Anglia
• 24^th November, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria
• 25^th November, Cedar Court, Bradford
• 26^th November, Great Yorkshire Showground, Yorkshire
• 3^rd December, The Matford Centre, Exeter Livestock Market, Devon

Farmers can register for any of the workshops here.

Providing industry feedback

The Hello Farm Gate tool is aimed at highlighting the appropriate green finance opportunities at the right time, for the right farm.

As with the development of any innovation, it is crucial that the intended users test and provide feedback on digital tools to support farmers.

Innovation for Agriculture are pleased to be working on this project to ensure farmers from across sectors and locations are having the opportunity to have their say throughout the process of the tool’s development.