RABI – the Farmers Charity is committing £2 million in direct financial support to farming households affected by prolonged dry conditions across England and Wales. The RABI Emergency Drought Grant is launching on 7 September 2026.

The significant financial commitment from RABI will provide £2,000 grants towards personal and household living costs for eligible farm owners and tenant farmers whose household finances are under pressure.

Applications will open in five regional phases, with up to £400,000 of total grants available to eligible farm owners and tenant farmers in each of the five regions. The grants are for personal and household living costs and cannot be used for farm or business running costs.

The grant is a response to increased financial pressures placed on farming households as a result of the impact of low spring rainfall and prolonged dry conditions through the summer. Spring 2026 was the warmest on record for both England and Wales, with England receiving just 65% of its average rainfall.

Responding to the impacts of the dry weather to support livestock and manage restricted irrigation, earlier harvests and lower yields can place additional pressure on personal and household finances.

Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive at RABI:

“The prolonged dry conditions are having a significant impact on farming people and households across England and Wales, with many facing increased financial pressure as the effects of the drought continue.

“I am proud of RABI’s ability to respond at pace when farming people face challenges on this scale. Through this £2 million commitment, the Emergency Drought Grant will provide direct financial help to ensure farming can afford to pay for core living costs during a time of increased stress and financial pressure. The charity’s ability to respond at this scale is an important aspect of our work as the Farmers Charity.

“We know the impact of the drought varies across the country, which is why the grant applications will open in regional phases from 7 September. I would encourage eligible farming people to apply when the grant opens in their area and to remember that RABI’s wider support services are available to our farming community whenever needed.”

RABI’s drought grants are designed to provide flexible financial support for personal and household living costs, helping farming people manage day-to-day household expenses as autumn and winter approach. The grants cannot be used directly for farm or business running costs.

Find out more about RABI’s Emergency Drought Grant, including eligibility and when applications open in your region.