Millions of pounds in extra funding will be made available to help farmers deal with extreme weather, and to build more on-farm reservoirs. The measures, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, also include a temporary ban on the sale of disposable BBQs due to the "significant risk" they pose during ongoing droughts.
Severe drought conditions
The support follows severe drought that has hit the country after successive heatwaves, wildfires and a lack of rain. Crops and livestock have struggled in conditions that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says are some of the worst in decades.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's (AHDB) latest report shows that wheat yields are 13 per cent below their five-year average. Spring barley and oats have fared even worse, with spring barley on track for its lowest yields since 1999 and oats at a 46-year low.
New support measures
New plans from Whitehall will see more flexibility in existing eco-schemes, allowing farmers to continue collecting payments during the extreme weather. Under the scheme, some £50 million will be invested into existing sustainable farming programmes. Additionally, £15 million will be made available for building on-farm reservoirs to help farmers store water against future droughts.
Action will also be taken to make it easier to build new reservoirs, such as through updating planning guidance.
Prime Minister's response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will meet with farmers in the South West of England, saying they had "brought in the earliest harvest of their working lives" despite crop yield reductions. He added: "Lower income, higher costs, and no rain in the forecast. I understand the worry that comes with that."
"The ability to grow our own food is national security, and I will treat it that way. So we are acting now: more money into farm support, help to get reservoirs built, and easier access to water when it is scarce."
"This is the third drought in five years. Farmers are at the sharp end of a changing climate, and they should not be carrying that risk alone."
Reactions and further action
Campaigners say that farmers have been calling for action from Downing Street "for weeks" as the ongoing droughts hit their way of life. Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance told the Daily Express: "Drought and wildfires are causing absolute misery in the countryside. Rural communities have been crying out for support for weeks."
Angela Eagle MP, the Environment Secretary, said: "I am acutely aware of the pressures exceptionally dry weather is placing on farm businesses." She added: "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."
