Welsh farmers urged to tap grants as dry weather bites

Welsh farmers facing another spell of dry weather are being urged to use grant funding to strengthen water supplies and protect livestock from heat stress.

The Welsh government’s capital investment and efficiency grant can support investment in boreholes, rainwater harvesting equipment and ventilation systems, including fans for livestock housing.

The scheme opened on 28 July and offers grants of between £500 and £15,000 towards eligible investments, covering 40% of costs excluding VAT.

See also: Welsh farmers invited to apply for SFS capital grants

Farmers can make more than one application during the financial year, provided the total grant awarded does not exceed £15,000.

Applications remain open until March 2027, when the scheme will close temporarily ahead of changes for the following financial year.

The support comes as prolonged dry conditions put pressure on grass growth, crop yields, livestock welfare and water availability.

SFS flexibility

Farmers participating in the Sustainable Farming Scheme, or delivering preparatory scheme contracts, can also request temporary derogations where weather conditions prevent them from meeting scheme requirements.

Applications should be made through Rural Payments Wales online accounts and include photographs showing the condition of affected crops.

The Welsh government said requests would be considered favourably and dealt with promptly because of this year’s exceptional conditions.

Cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability Llyr Gruffydd said: “We recognise the pressures facing farmers and growers during prolonged dry weather conditions, including impacts on livestock, crops, and farm businesses.

“That’s why we want farmers to know about the support available, whether through our capital grants scheme, or the flexibility on offer under the Sustainable Farming Scheme.”

Mr Gruffydd also pointed to the government’s wider water reform programme, saying more than £1bn had been announced this Senedd term to support sustainable agriculture.

The Welsh government said climate change was expected to increase the challenges posed by heatwaves and dry conditions, making investment in farm resilience increasingly important.

Longer term help

Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Cymru welcomed the funding but said longer-term adaptation was also needed.

Rhys Evans, NFFN Cymru manager, said: “Farmers urgently need assistance to adopt farming systems which capture and retain water during periods of rainfall for use during these lengthy dry spells.”