Oxfordshire farmers affected by drought offered grant

Botley-based Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), known as the Farmers Charity, has launched the support as part of its £2 million response to prolonged dry conditions and low spring rainfall, which have hit farming communities across the county.

The grants are not intended to cover business costs, but are instead designed to support personal and household living expenses for farming families experiencing financial hardship due to drought.

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."

Eligible farm owners and tenant farmers whose principal farming business is in an area officially designated as being in drought can apply for a £2,000 grant towards personal and household living costs.

The funding cannot be used for farm or business running costs.

The scheme is being rolled out in five regional phases, with up to £400,000 available in each region.

The South East phase, which includes Oxfordshire, will open for applications at noon on Monday, September 21, and close at 3pm on Friday, September 25, or earlier if funding is fully allocated.

The scheme is part of a broader response to the financial challenges facing the farming community following one of the driest and warmest springs on record.

In spring 2026, England received just 65 per cent of its average rainfall, leading to earlier harvests, lower yields and restricted irrigation.

These factors have placed extra strain on farmers’ personal finances.

RABI’s Emergency Drought Grant aims to ease these pressures by providing immediate support for essential living costs.

Each recipient will receive a one-off payment of £2,000.

A spokesman for RABI said: "The grant is intended to help ease immediate personal and household financial pressure.

"It is not intended to compensate for business losses or additional farm running costs caused by drought."

The charity’s helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0800 188 4444.

Further information about the Emergency Drought Grant, including full eligibility criteria, is available at rabi.org.uk/drought-support.