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

Farming households on the Isle of Wight could apply for £2,000 grants to help with household costs as the effects of prolonged dry weather continue to put pressure on finances.

The support is being offered by RABI, the Farmers Charity, as part of a £2 million emergency response to drought across England and Wales.

The Island is included in the South East phase of the scheme, which has up to £400,000 available for eligible farming households across the region.

Applications open at 12 noon on Monday 21 September and are due to close at 3pm on Friday 25 September.

However, the scheme could close earlier if all of the available funding is allocated.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible farm owners and tenant farmers can apply if their principal farming business is located in an area officially designated as being in drought.

The grants are intended to help with personal and household living costs, rather than the running costs of farms or businesses.

RABI says the financial pressures facing farming households have increased following low spring rainfall and prolonged dry conditions over the summer.

Spring 2026 was the warmest on record in both England and Wales, while England received just 65% of its average rainfall.

The dry conditions have also affected livestock management, irrigation and harvests, with earlier harvesting and lower yields potentially placing further pressure on household finances.

RABI Chief Executive Alicia Chivers said the charity wanted to provide direct financial help to farming households facing increased pressure.

She encouraged those eligible to apply when the scheme opens in their region, while also highlighting RABI's wider support services.

The drought grants are being delivered through five regional phases, with up to £400,000 available in each.

The South West and Wales phases have already closed, with the South East the next to open.