FARMERS in drought-stricken parts of the West Somerset and Wellington areas were among the first to become eligible to apply for Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) emergency drought grants as applications opened across the Westcountry.

Up to 200 grants will be available in the region, providing eligible farm owners and tenant farmers experiencing financial pressure linked to drought conditions with direct support toward personal and household living costs.

Applications will open in five regional phases, with up to £400,000 of total grants available to eligible farm owners and tenants in each area.

The grants are for personal and household living costs and cannot be used for farm or business running costs.

The £2,000 grant is a response to increased financial pressures placed on farming households as a result of the impact of low spring rainfall and prolonged dry conditions through the summer.

This spring was the warmest on record for both England and Wales, with England receiving just 65 per cent of its average rainfall.

Studies have shown the impacts of the dry weather, resulting in restricted irrigation, earlier harvests, and lower yields, are placing additional pressure on personal and household finances.

Local farmers described the current drought as the worst for 50 years.

Richard Plowright, who farms in Over Stowey on the Quantock Hills, said the heat and lack of rain killed off half the vegetable crops he planted in July.

Mr Plowright said: “We are now looking at different planting systems which can hopefully protect the soil from high temperatures in the future.”

Farmer John Harris reported that his grain crop was the worst for 20 years and he was already using winter feed for his stock due to the lack of grass.

Mr Harris said: “I fear for the future of our family farm.”

RABI chief executive Alicia Chivers said: “The prolonged dry conditions are having a significant impact on farming people and households across England and Wales, with many facing increased financial pressure as the effects of the drought continue.

“I am proud of RABI’s ability to respond at pace when farming people face challenges on this scale.

“Through this £2 million commitment, the emergency drought grant will provide direct financial help to ensure farming people can afford to pay for core living costs during a time of increased stress and financial pressure.

“RABI’s ability to respond at this scale is an important aspect of our work as the farmers’ charity.

“We know the impact of the drought varies across the country, which is why the grant applications will open in regional phases.

“I would encourage eligible farming people to apply when the grant opens in their area and to remember that RABI’s wider support services are available to our farming community whenever needed.”

RABI's drought grants are designed to provide flexible financial support for personal and household living costs, helping farming people manage day-to-day household expenses as autumn and winter approach.

More information is available on on the RABI website.