New Government Drought Support Creates Opportunities for On-Farm Water Storage

On the 15th of August 2026 the UK Government has announced a new package of drought support measures to help farmers and growers manage the ongoing dry conditions across England. Among the measures is the reopening of the Water Management Grant, with up to £15 million available to support the construction of on-farm reservoirs and improve water security for agricultural businesses.

According to DEFRA, the grant is expected to open this autumn and is aimed at helping farmers store water when supplies are available, providing greater resilience during periods of drought and protecting crop production in the years ahead.

Investing in Water Resilience

As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, having reliable access to water is a growing priority for many farms, particularly those in the horticultural and arable sectors. Alongside the grant funding, the Government has also announced plans to make it easier for farmers to build reservoirs and improve access to water through changes to planning guidance and abstraction licensing.

How Greencrop Can Help

At Greencrop, we can support customers looking to improve their irrigation and water management infrastructure through a range of equipment that may be eligible under the Water Management Grant scheme.

Our portfolio includes:

• Irrigation pumping solutions
• Filtration system
• Water transfer and distribution equipment
• Irrigation infrastructure and system components
• Water management solutions designed to maximise efficiency and reduce wastage

Our experienced team can help growers identify the right equipment for their operation and discuss options that align with grant-funded projects.

Get Ready for the Grant Window

With the Water Management Grant expected to open later this year, now is the ideal time to start planning future water storage and irrigation improvements.

If you’re considering investing in on-farm water infrastructure and would like advice on suitable grant eligable equipment, contact Greencrop today. We are ready to help you prepare your project and make the most of the funding opportunities available.

For more information on Greencrop’s irrigation and water management solutions, get in touch with our team.

Further details about the grant and eligibility can be found by visiting https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/15/new-drought-support-for-farmers/