£1.1m to be invested in on-farm drought risk assessments
9th June 2025
Farmers can now apply for specialist water assessments following the launch of a new £1.1 million programme that is set to support farmer groups to collaborate on drought resilience measures and deliver on the government’s commitment to food security.
Defra explained that the £1.1 million package will support 12 fresh screening studies across England, known as Local Resource Options (LROs). They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of different water management options, such as multi-farm reservoirs, treated wastewater recycling systems, or collaborative irrigation networks.
Environment Agency confirmed that last year, the fund provided 106 farms with recommendations and attracted positive responses from farmer groups for helping identify risks and facilitate greater co-operation between neighbours.
Proposals included building rainwater storage and distribution systems for growers of soft fruits like strawberries, wetlands to recycle treated wastewater for potato farmers or shared reservoir and irrigation networks to supply crops and aid peat restoration.
EA’s estimates suggest that its top recommendations could provide an additional 12 billion litres of low-cost water per year to farmers, worth £53 million.
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Protecting food security
Philip Duffy, Environment Agency chief executive, said: “Farmers say responsible access to water is vital for food production and rural economies, particularly during prolonged dry weather.
“This scheme will help us draw up plans for on-farm water storage that work for the environment and food production.”
Daniel Zeichner, minister for food and rural affairs, added that the programme will support farmers to find new ways to manage water collaboratively to protect food security, long-term profitability and local communities.
“Storing water on wet days for use during dry periods is a great way to sustainably secure our food systems and farming businesses against the threat of drought,” the minister concluded.
Applications are open now for groups including at least two neighbouring farms and will close at 11:59 pm on 20th July 2025.
To apply or for further information, click here.
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