Hampshire farming families can access emergency support through a new £2m funding programme.
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has launched the Emergency Drought Grant scheme to help farming households across the South East manage rising financial pressures caused by prolonged dry weather.
Up to £400,000 is available for eligible applicants in the region under the scheme.
Alicia Chivers, chief executive of 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 £2m 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."
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The South East phase of the grant scheme opens for applications at midday on Monday, September 21, and is scheduled to close at 3pm on Friday, September 25, unless funds are exhausted sooner.
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 follows a season of exceptionally low rainfall and record-breaking warmth, with England receiving just 65 per cent of its average rainfall during spring 2026.
These conditions have led to lower yields, restricted irrigation, and earlier harvests, all of which have increased financial strain on farming households.
Ms Chivers encouraged eligible applicants to apply when the scheme opens in their area.
She said: "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 describes the grants as "flexible financial support for personal and household living costs" to help farming families meet everyday expenses as autumn and winter approach.
More information about the Emergency Drought Grant and the application process is available on RABI’s website.
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