Farmers across England are set to receive new support, including a £65 million funding boost, to help manage the impact of prolonged dry weather. This government response follows the driest July on record in England and Wales.
The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is setting out the new support after chairing the government’s emergency response committee (COBR) this week, which focused on extreme heat, wildfires, and drought. The package is part of a coordinated cross-government effort addressing farming, water, and vital infrastructure.
Measures aim to assist farmers in getting water to crops, feeding livestock where grass has failed, and continuing environmental agreements without losing payments due to drought conditions. Farmers will also be supported in building on-farm water storage to prepare for future dry summers. The package includes an extra £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026, taking its total budget to £290 million, and up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs.
Prime Minister Burnham is expected to state that the ability to grow food is national security and that farmers, who are at the sharp end of a changing climate, should not carry the risk alone. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle noted the pressures on farm businesses and confirmed practical support to help them through challenging conditions and build resilience.
The government also plans to make it easier to build reservoirs by reducing unnecessary barriers and updating planning guidance. Further details on this will be published in an updated National Planning Policy Framework on Monday.