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.
This is a short post to let you know that the 2026 Capital Grants offer is now open for applications.
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.
22 October How ADOPT funding can support your farm business, 11am to 12:30pm.
Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.
30 October Borderway Agri Expo, Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.
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.
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
