The Dean Organic Fund which offers support for organic and agroecological farmers, via bespoke interest-free and unsecured loans of up to £25,000 is seeking fresh applications.
The Dean Organic Fund was formed in 2011 following a bequest by Jennie Bone – a passionate supporter of organic farming. The Fund was managed by The Organic Research Centre from 2018 to 2025, with nearly 50 farmers, producers and food businesses receiving support since that time. From the 1st September 2025 when ORC joined ADAS the fund has been administered by The Progressive Farming Trust.
Last year, a range of businesses benefited from the fund, including Seaview Farms – a regenerative farm in Northern Ireland. “They are new entrants tenants managing a large area of priority habitat, who run a regenerative grazing enterprise,” explains Chris Jones, adviser to the Dean Organic Fund. Through their careful grazing management, they aim to create a landscape where wildlife, soil life and productive farming can thrive together. “The Fund enabled the purchase of specialist native cattle at a key moment for their business, and allowed them to move forward without being limited by cash flow,” he says. This, in turn, has helped them to better utilise the grazing platform and improve stocking density, creating a more resilient and balanced system.
In total, the Fund currently financially supports 22 organic and agroecological businesses across the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall. “It has supported a wide range of transformational projects in the past year, including grain bi-cropping processing facilities, mobile hen houses, native grazing livestock, and market garden expansion,” says Mr Jones.
Applications are welcome from businesses that are certified organic. in conversion, or adopting practices closely aligned with organic and agroecological principles. “After a successful 2025, we are looking to extend the reach of this legacy and work with more growers and farmers,” says Mr Jones. “The door is open to new applications with loans available on an unsecured and interest-free basis, up to £25,000.“This is a rare opportunity to secure financial support, and for the right candidates, it can really make the difference in giving businesses the step-up needed.”
For more information and to apply see: https://www.progressivefarmingtrust.org/dean-organic-fund/
