Apply now for the latest ADOPT funding rounds
Eligible applicants can now apply for funding through the latest rounds of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund.
The Team
We're working with farms to improve the way we regulate and support farming and the environment.
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New drought support for farmers
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The Team, Posted on:
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Drought support, environmental land management schemes, Grants
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.
Managing farms and land during prolonged dry weather and drought
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.
Apply for the Farmer Welfare Grant
The new and expanded Farmer Welfare Grant is now accepting applications from organisations with experience supporting farming communities.
SFI26: an update
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.
Apply now for automation and robotics funding
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.
Capital Grants 2026: 75% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 75% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
An update and reminder of CSHT single-focus agreements
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.
Capital Grants 2026: 50% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 50% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.
Capital Grants 2026: 25% of budget allocated
We can confirm that 25% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has now been allocated.
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7 October Dairy Show at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
10 October Alwinton Show at Gallow Law, Alwinton, Northumberland.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending in 2026
Helping farmers access water this autumn
Drought is putting real pressure on farmers this year. 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.
Storing fertiliser safely
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.
Get advice
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.
Join a webinar
Livestock disease guidance
Preparing your business for the UK-EU SPS agreement
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
