Prime Minister Urges Support for Farmers Facing Climate Change Challenges

Farmers across England are set to receive enhanced support to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry weather, with a significant £65 million funding package announced by the government as part of its response to the ongoing drought crisis. This initiative comes on the heels of a COBR emergency meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, focusing on the national strategy to address extreme heat, wildfires, and drought conditions.

This funding package follows the record-breaking dry July experienced in England and Wales, signalling a critical moment for agricultural communities. The measures are part of a comprehensive cross-government strategy that aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the drought, encompassing aspects of farming, water management, and essential infrastructure.

New Measures to Support Farmers

The funding will enable farmers to secure water for their crops, ensure livestock are nourished in the absence of sufficient grass, and maintain their environmental commitments without the risk of financial penalties when drought conditions hinder agreed activities. Additionally, the measures will facilitate the construction of on-farm water storage solutions, equipping farms to better withstand future dry spells.

During a visit to a farm in the South West, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Farming Minister Stephen Morgan, engaged with farmers directly affected by the drought. He articulated the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate challenges posed by this exceptionally dry summer, stating: “I am meeting with farmers here in the South West who brought in the earliest harvest of their working lives and watched the yield come in well down on what it should be. Lower income, higher costs, and no rain in the forecast. I understand the worry that comes with that.”

Addressing Climate Challenges

With this being the third drought in five years, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of food production for national security, asserting that the government is taking decisive action to bolster agricultural support. He highlighted the necessity of building reservoirs and ensuring easier access to water during periods of scarcity.

The support package encompasses several key initiatives, including:

• Increased flexibility in environmental schemes, allowing farmers impacted by drought to continue receiving payments while taking necessary steps to protect livestock, crops, and land.
• An additional £50 million allocated to the Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2026, raising the total budget to £290 million to assist more farmers.
• Streamlined processes for constructing reservoirs, involving the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles and the updating of planning guidance.
• Up to £15 million dedicated to on-farm reservoirs, enabling farmers to store water and enhance resilience against future droughts.
• Improved access to water during drought conditions, facilitated by support from the Environment Agency and simplified arrangements for water access.

Long-Term Resilience and Future Planning

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle addressed the pressing challenges faced by farmers, acknowledging the severe conditions they are enduring. She reiterated the government’s commitment to providing tangible support and building long-term resilience within the agricultural sector through the Farming Roadmap.

The government has also laid out plans to develop nine new reservoirs and strengthen the nation’s water infrastructure to better prepare for future climate-related challenges, including floods and extreme weather events. An investment of nearly £100 million is being made to enhance the country’s capabilities in combating wildfires and extreme weather.

Collaboration with farmers, water companies, environmental organisations, and local partners will continue to be a priority as efforts are made to bolster the robustness of the UK’s food system. While the current dry conditions are not anticipated to jeopardise national food security, proactive measures are being implemented to further enhance resilience through the Farming Roadmap, improved food supply chains, and engagement with the National Drought Group and the Farming and Food Partnership Board.

Specifics on Support Measures

This support package is applicable solely to England, as agricultural policies are devolved across the UK. The Environment Agency is responsible for declaring drought status, with current classifications covering regions such as East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, Kent, the Thames Valley, and parts of the Midlands, among others, indicating that approximately three-quarters of England is experiencing drought conditions.

The government is reallocating £65 million within the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) budget to ensure that funding is directed to areas most in need during this drought crisis. Farmers who manage wildlife habitats on their land, who typically face restrictions on grazing or cutting, will now be permitted to utilise these areas without losing financial support, provided they do not compromise soil integrity.

While water abstraction is regulated and subject to flow limits, the current package aims to expedite the process of licence variations and facilitate the sharing of water between holdings, ensuring that it reaches those who require it most. The measures also seek to preserve environmental agreements during this challenging period, preventing farmers from having to choose between animal welfare and compliance with these long-term commitments.

In collaboration with the National Farmers’ Union, the government is undertaking a thorough review of permitted development rights concerning on-farm reservoirs, reflecting a commitment to adapt policies that support farmers in these trying times.