£2,000 Drought Grants To Open For Isle Of Wight Farmers

Isle of Wight farmers facing financial pressure following this summer's drought will be able to apply for emergency grants of £2,000 from next week.

The Farmers Charity RABI has launched a £2million fund to support farming households affected by prolonged dry conditions, with up to £400,000 allocated to the South East.

Applications from eligible Island farmers open at 12:00 on Monday 21st September and are due to close at 15:00 on Friday 25th September. The scheme could close earlier if all available funding is allocated.

Farm owners and tenant farmers can apply if their main farming business is in an area officially designated as being in drought when applications open.

The £2,000 payment is intended to help with personal and household living costs and cannot be used towards farm or business expenses.

A maximum of 200 grants will be available across the South East, including the Isle of Wight.