New drought support for farmers
Farmers affected by extreme dry weather can now benefit from temporary flexibilities in ELM agreements, £50 million increase in SFI funding, and a new round of the Water Management Grant, set to open in Autumn.
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Farmers affected by extreme dry weather can now benefit from temporary flexibilities in ELM agreements, £50 million increase in SFI funding, and a new round of the Water Management Grant, set to open in Autumn.
Almost three-quarters of land in England is now in drought after experiencing record-low rainfall and unusually high temperatures. As the dry weather looks set to persist, we've gathered information and resources to help farmers and growers.
The new and expanded Farmer Welfare Grant is now accepting applications from organisations with experience supporting farming communities.
This post updates farmers on SFI26 uptake in Window 1, when it may close, and applying on SSSI land. We also explain how eligible farmers with ELM agreements ending soon can apply in Window 2 before those agreements expire.
Innovators in farming can now apply for a share of up to £20 million through Round 2 of the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, part of the Farming Innovation Programme.
We can confirm that 75% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
Single-focus agreements are designed to provide a simpler route into Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). Since opening on July 21, over 300 expressions of interest have been received for these types of agreements. In this post, we provide a summary and a reminder of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
We can confirm that 50% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
We can confirm that 25% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has now been allocated.
Ahead of the Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF) opening on 1 September, we've published guidance on GOV.UK so that potential delivery partners can start planning applications. We also share details of two upcoming webinars.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Team.
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The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) annual conference takes place on Tuesday 29 September.
The event will bring together suppliers, retailers and industry representatives. It will reflect on the GCA’s work to ensure fair treatment of suppliers and the support available to them, including how they can raise issues in confidence.

Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
From 6 April 2026, qualifying agricultural and business assets will continue to receive full inheritance tax relief up to a combined value of £2.5 million. Lower relief rates will apply to assets above this amount. Learn more


The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.

Innovate UK Business Connect invites you to join its new directory and connect with public sector buyers.