Drought support for farmers in England and Wales
Drought conditions continue to take a serious toll on farmers and landowners across England and Wales, resulting in devastating wildfires, worryingly low spring-fed private water supplies, dwindling fodder supplies and crop failures.
In response, the Governments of both countries have announced measures aimed at supporting farmers and landowners through these challenging conditions.
Farmers in Wales are being encouraged to apply for capital grants for boreholes, rainwater harvesting equipment, and ventilation systems.
The Welsh Government has highlighted that the Capital Production and Efficiency grant is open for applications, providing support for farmers who want to invest in climate adaptation measures.
The grant scheme provides funding towards equipment and machinery that can improve efficiency, animal health and welfare, resource use, and health and safety on farms.
This includes boreholes, rainwater harvesting and filtering systems, and ceiling or wall mounted fans for improving ventilation and air quality within livestock buildings
The maximum grant available is £15,000, as a contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs.
The Government has also said that farmers who have entered the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) or delivering preparatory scheme contracts, but who may be struggling to meet requirements because of the weather, can apply for a temporary derogation via their Rural Payments Wales (RPW) online account.
This will involve supplying photographic evidence showing the condition of the crop.
Officials have indicated that given the exceptional conditions this year, requests will be looked at favourably and responded to promptly.
England’s drought response
Drought or ‘prolonged dry weather’ status is now affecting every county in England, following the driest July for 190 years and less than 6% of seasonal rainfall so far in August.
The Government has announced £15 million in funding for on-farm reservoirs, as well as changes to planning rules through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to make it easier to build them.
It has confirmed that farmers with a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Countryside Stewardship (CS) or legacy environmental scheme agreement can also apply for temporary adjustments to the management of their options.
This is to help reduce fire risk, ease shortages of fodder and give some flexibility on the planting and establishment of seed mixes.
The Government has also pledged an additional £50 million in funding for the SFI to help more farmers access support.
If you would like support in applying for a grant, a temporary adjustment to an agri-environment agreement or to discuss any other drought-related issue, please contact Tom Price.
