Farmers across England are set to receive £65 million in drought support, alongside a £15 million fund for on-farm reservoirs, as ministers respond to warnings that the sector is nearing “breaking point”. The measures aim to help farms secure water, feed livestock and sustain production amid drought, poor harvests and rising costs, while addressing concerns about food security and climate resilience.

The Country Land and Business Association welcomed the support but said it was only a temporary measure and insufficient for long-term climate adaptation. Farmers report earlier, lower-yielding harvests, heat stress in animals and damage to root vegetables, fruit and potatoes; poor grain crops are also increasing feed costs and could raise meat prices. Access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive remains a concern after it was closed in 2025 and only partly reopened for smaller farms in June.