New three-year funding programme will support farmer mental health, wellbeing, and business resilience through agricultural organisations across England.
The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has introduced a new £1.5 million Farmer Welfare Grant aimed at strengthening mental health support, wellbeing services, and business resilience among farming communities across England. The funding programme will operate over three years and support organisations working closely with farmers and rural communities.
The grant will enable agricultural charities and support organisations to develop targeted programmes that address the challenges faced by farmers, including business pressures, changing weather conditions, rising operational costs, and the demands of running modern farming enterprises.
Under the initiative, eligible rural and agricultural organisations will be able to apply for funding to deliver practical support services such as wellbeing programmes, resilience training, workshops, and personalised assistance for farmers and their families. Applications for the scheme are expected to open on 6 August 2026.
The new funding builds on the earlier Farmer Welfare Grant programme, which provided support to farming welfare organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Defra has expanded the programme to provide greater support for the agricultural community and improve access to essential welfare resources.
The initiative forms part of the UK Government’s wider Farming Roadmap, which focuses on creating a more resilient, productive, and sustainable farming sector. By supporting farmer wellbeing and strengthening rural networks, the grant aims to help farmers overcome challenges while maintaining a stable food production system.