Charities launch winter funds to aid farming families

Scottish and UK farming charities have announced new winter support funds for early 2026, responding to severe weather and rising living costs affecting agricultural families.

The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) has launched a £100,000 Snow Impact Fund to support Scottish farming and crofting families severely affected by exceptional wintry conditions, particularly in the north and north-east of Scotland.

The charity is offering discretionary payments of up to £1,000 per farming family business to those experiencing losses linked to extreme snowfall.

See also: Farmers step in with tractors to clear snow from roads

Rsabi, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture, is encouraging farmers facing significant additional costs to apply through an online form available via its website.

Applications can also be made by calling the charity’s helpline on 0808 1234 555.

Challenging conditions

Rsabi chief executive Carol McLaren said: “The start of 2026 has been a very trying time for farming families in the worst-hit parts of Scotland as they battle to feed and look after livestock in very challenging conditions, as well as defrosting water troughs and pipes in plummeting temperatures.”

She highlighted the wider role farmers have played during the severe weather.

“Remarkably, they have managed to do all this and also make a truly outstanding contribution to communities around the country, keeping roads open and assisting vulnerable people in rural areas.”

However, Ms McLaren said the impact on farm infrastructure had been significant.

“Behind the scenes, the exceptional snowfall is also taking a significant toll in terms of damage and other impacts, and we have had worrying reports of collapsed roofs, and stores of feed and grain being affected too.”

Alongside the fund, Rsabi has launched a snow impact appeal inviting donations from the public and farmers in less affected areas.

Donations can be made online or by texting SNOWTEN to 70450 to donate £10 or Text SNOWTWENTY to 70450 to donate £20.

Winter living costs

Separately, farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rabi) has announced its 2026 winter grant, opening this month, to support working farming families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Replacing the winter fuel grant, it offers a fixed payment of £400 a household to help meet winter living costs.

The grant will open in two phases, on 19 January and 2 February, closing on 27 February or earlier if funds are fully allocated.

To find out more information and to apply for the grant, visit the Rabi website.