We help high-growth agrifood, natural capital, water, marine and rural infrastructure businesses turn their capability into commercial value.

Increasingly funding is shifting towards proven commercial traction. As a Farm491 innovation member, we can give you what you need most: access to markets, talent, partnerships and investment advice.

What our membership delivers 

Access to markets 

We support you to connect directly with customers and sectors that matter most to your business with:

  • Access to our market expertise
  • Introductions to farmers, estates and landowners
  • Access to corporates, supply chains and public‑sector buyers
  • Opportunities for collaboration is natural-capital and environmental markets

The outcome: faster sales, a clearer market fit and new customers for your business.

Increased capability

We support you to develop the people and skills needed to grow your business with:

  • Upskilling for founders and commercial teams
  • Leadership and business development
  • Access to RAU students, graduates and specialist talent
  • Peer learning and specialist workshops

The outcome: stronger teams and better commercial execution within your business.

Unlocked growth

We support you to remove barriers to growth and accelerate your business’ scale-up journey with:

  • Growth Clinics
  • Market‑share and positioning support
  • Access to investors and partners
  • Collaboration and demonstrator opportunities

The outcome: a clearer strategy, fewer blockers to growth and more revenue for your business.

What are our membership tiers?

Network — £50+VAT per month  

Ideal for farms, rural SMEs and suppliers.

For those looking to access our events, receive market updates and access talent opportunities only. 

High Growth — £100+VAT per month 

Ideal for early‑growth ventures (<5 employees).

In addition to Network membership benefits, access our Growth Clinics, investor networking and pilot introductions

Growth Stage — £250+VAT per month

Ideal for scaling businesses.

In addition to High Growth membership benefits, receive strategic support as well as market entry and curated buyer introductions.

Future Market Leader — £500+VAT per month 

Ideal for private equity-backed and national scale‑ups.

In addition to Growth Stage membership benefits, receive dedicated relationship management and executive‑level access.

Corporate Partnership - Price on request

Ideal for corporates, investors and supply‑chain leaders.

In addition to Future Market Leader membership benefits, we will design a tailored programme for innovation, pilots, talent or strategic partnership, depending on your business’ needs.

Do we offer membership to RAU students?

If you are a current RAU student, we offer our High Growth membership free of charge.

Start your Farm491 innovation membership journey today

Email farm491@rau.ac.uk or call us at +44(0)1285 889850 to find out more and book a discovery meeting with our Farm491 team.