Government announces drought support package for farmers

The Government has announced a £65 million package of support for farmers affected by drought, alongside measures to provide greater flexibility within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). The announcement comes as much of England experiences drought conditions following an exceptionally hot and dry summer, with farmers and growers facing reduced yields, rising costs and increasing pressure on their businesses.

The package includes an additional £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs, and greater flexibility within environmental schemes to help farmers cope with the immediate impacts of drought while building resilience for the future.

Healthy soils and thriving ecosystems play an important role in helping farms retain water, cope with periods of low rainfall and maintain food production during extreme weather. Investment in soil health, nature recovery and climate resilience is therefore widely regarded as an important part of ensuring the long-term security of the UK's food supply.

Georgina Edwards, Sustainable Farming Campaign Officer at Sustain, said:

"The news that the government has unlocked more investment is very welcome, amid record-breaking temperatures and most of England experiencing drought. Healthier soils have better water retention, meaning that farms can be more resilient during periods of low rainfall.

"Today's announcement is a positive indication that the government is serious about making our domestic food production better able to adapt to weather extremes in the future."

Joss MacDonald, Public Affairs Manager at Sustain, said:

"The climate is changing whether we're ready or not. If we want to secure our food supply and keep prices down, we need long-term investment in the sustainable and resilient farming that builds up the soil our food depends on.

We are now experiencing the third drought in five years, with extreme weather becoming the new normal. Rather than responding to each crisis as it hits, we can plan ahead and build resilience now. That's why Sustain and more than 100 organisations have written to the Prime Minister calling for a Good Food Bill, bringing together action on food, farming, health and the environment backed by clear national targets."

Sustain is co-leading the Good Food Bill campaign. In July 2026, more than 100 organisations wrote to the Prime Minister calling for a Good Food Bill to establish cross-government responsibility for food policy and statutory food system targets.