Morley Agricultural Foundation

The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF), established in 2003 from the assets of the former Morley Research Centre, is an independent UK charitable trust dedicated to advancing agricultural science, research, and education for public benefit. Rooted in Norfolk and East Anglia, it promotes evidence-based, unbiased research into sustainable farming practices, helping farmers adapt to economic, regulatory, and climatic challenges. Its core values emphasize resilient food systems, soil stewardship, professional development, and wide knowledge dissemination, uniquely integrating charitable funding with a 750-hectare commercial farm that hosts field trials, demonstrations, and events like the Morley Flux Towers for environmental monitoring.

TMAF funds thematic priorities in arable farming, including crop rotation, soil health, pest/weed management, nutrient cycling, water conservation, biodiversity, and adaptation to legislation, with strong support for sugar beet and cereals. Beneficiaries encompass researchers, East Anglian farmers, postgraduate students (e.g., PhD sponsorships and Morley Scholarships at UEA), professionals, and schools via outreach like farm visits and events. It backs field trials, vocational training, conferences, knowledge exchange, and partnerships with NIAB, BBRO, and AgriFood Charities Partnership.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups of any size or income, prioritizing projects benefiting East Anglia but open to UK-wide relevance; no religious or geographic base restrictions apply. Typical grants range from £500 (bursaries) to £100,000+ (multi-year research). Unsolicited applications start with a 250-word EOI via email/form, advancing to full proposals reviewed biannually (January/June meetings), with next deadline 25 May 2025. It avoids direct people-focused support and capital projects, distinguishing itself through farm-hosted, farmer-facing innovation and enduring endowment for long-term impact.