Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:Farmers across England will receive new support to help manage the impact of prolonged dry weather, including a £65 million funding boost, as the Government steps up its response to the ongoing drought.
After chairing the Government’s emergency response committee (COBR) this week on extreme heat, wildfires and drought, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was authorising £65 million ($88 million) of extra funding for farmers hit by a drought after the driest July on record in England and Wales.
“Today we’re putting £65m more into supporting farmers through this drought and preparing for the summers ahead. They’re on the frontline of a changing climate and they shouldn’t be left to face it alone,” Burnham said on X.
“The ability to grow our own food is national security. I’ll treat it that way,” he said. This follows the driest July on record in England and Wales.
The package forms part of a coordinated cross-government response to the drought, bringing together action on farming, water and vital infrastructure.
It will help farmers get water to crops, keep livestock fed where grass has failed, and continue their environmental agreements without losing payments when drought makes agreed activity impossible. Farmers will also be supported to build on-farm water storage, helping farms prepare for future dry summers.
Heatwaves and below-average rainfall have increased pressure on water resources for agricultural production and Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme activities. Dry conditions and heat have also increased the risk of wildfires across many parts of the country.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said, “I am acutely aware of the pressures exceptionally dry weather is placing on farm businesses. “Our farmers are facing some of the toughest conditions in decades, which is why we’re stepping in with practical support to help them through these challenging conditions and build resilience for the future.
“We’ll continue working closely with farmers and our partners to respond to the impacts of the drought, while building a stronger, more resilient farming sector through our Farming Roadmap”.
