Botley-based Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), known as the Farmers’ Charity, has launched support through its £2 million program in response to the prolonged drought and poor spring rainfall that has hit farming communities across the county.
The grants are not intended to cover business expenses, but are intended to support personal and household living expenses for farming families experiencing financial hardship due to the drought.
Alicia Chivers, chief executive of RABI, said: “The prolonged drought is having a significant impact on farmers and households in England and Wales, with many facing increasing financial pressure as the effects of the drought continue.
“I am proud of RABI’s ability to respond quickly when farmers face challenges of this magnitude.
“With this £2 million commitment, the Emergency Drought Grant will provide direct financial assistance to ensure farmers can afford basic living costs at a time of increased stress and financial pressure.
“The charity’s ability to respond at this scale is an important aspect of our work as a Farmers’ Charity.
“I would encourage eligible farmers to apply when the grant opens in their area and remember that RABI’s wider support services are available to our farming community at all times.”
Eligible farm owners and tenant farmers whose main farming business is in an area officially designated as being in a drought zone can apply for a grant of £2,000 towards personal and family living expenses.
Funding cannot be used to cover operating expenses of a farm or business.
The scheme is being implemented in five regional phases, with up to £400,000 available in each region.
The South East phase, which includes Oxfordshire, will open for applications at midday on Monday 21 September and close at 3pm on Friday 25 September, or earlier if funding is fully awarded.
The scheme is part of a wider response to the financial challenges facing the farming community following one of the driest and warmest springs on record.
England received just 65 percent of its average rainfall in spring 2026, leading to earlier harvests, lower yields and limited irrigation.
These factors have placed additional strain on farmers’ personal finances.
The RABI Drought Emergency Grant aims to ease this pressure by providing immediate support to cover basic living costs.
Each recipient will receive a one-off payment of £2,000.
A RABI spokesperson said: “The grant is designed to help relieve immediate financial pressure on personal and household needs.
“It is not intended to compensate for business losses or additional farm operating costs caused by drought.”
The charity’s helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 188 4444.
More information about the Drought Emergency Grant, including full eligibility criteria, can be found at rabi.org.uk/drought-support.