Home / Environment / UK Drought Aid: Farmers Get £65M Boost
UK Drought Aid: Farmers Get £65M Boost
15 Aug
Summary
- £65 million in support for UK farmers impacted by drought.
- Farmers gain flexibility in subsidy schemes and reservoir construction.
- England faces widespread drought affecting crop yields and harvests.
The UK government has pledged £65 million ($88 million) to support farmers enduring widespread drought and reduced crop yields. This significant financial aid aims to alleviate the pressures faced by the agricultural sector due to extreme weather.
Key measures include enhanced flexibility within environmental subsidy schemes, permitting farmers to utilize protected grassland for animal feed without jeopardizing payments. Furthermore, the package allocates increased funding and relaxes regulations for constructing on-farm reservoirs, facilitating better water management during dry periods. These funds will be drawn from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' existing budget.
Currently, approximately three-quarters of England is under drought conditions following prolonged heatwaves and insufficient rainfall. Farmers have reported their earliest harvests in over two decades, with diminished crop yields heightening concerns about the impact of climate change on national food security. While welcomed, these measures are viewed as a temporary response, with calls for a more comprehensive national strategy to adapt agriculture to a changing climate.
