Farmers in Wiltshire are being offered emergency financial support as drought conditions continue to bite.
Those in Wiltshire and other drought-affected areas across the South West are among the first eligible for RABI’s new £2,000 Emergency Drought Grant.
The scheme aims to ease personal and household financial pressures caused by prolonged dry weather and low rainfall.
Alicia Chivers, chief executive at RABI, said: "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 people 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.
"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."
The grant scheme opens on Monday, September 7, and is available to both farm owners and tenant farmers in the South West who are struggling financially due to drought.
RABI will roll out the scheme in five regional phases, offering up to 200 grants per region.
Each grant is intended to cover personal and household living expenses, not business or farm operating costs.
Spring 2026 was the warmest on record for England and Wales, with England receiving just 65 per cent of its usual rainfall.
These conditions have led to lower yields, earlier harvests, restricted irrigation, and additional costs for supporting livestock, all of which have put further strain on farm families.
RABI, the Farmers Charity, has supported farming people since 1860, providing financial, practical, and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales.
Over the past 25 years, it has delivered around £250 million in direct financial assistance.
Anyone affected by the drought can access RABI’s free, confidential helpline 24 hours a day by calling 0800 188 4444.
Applications for the Emergency Drought Grant can be made online at rabi.org.uk/drought-support.
More information about the scheme and wider support services is also available on the RABI website.
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