Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to include capital grant options for improving on-farm water supply and storage infrastructure in the grant scheme that will incorporate elements of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund from 2027.

The Government recognises the significant challenges that drought conditions can pose for farmers and growers. As part of the drought support package announced on 14 August 2026, up to £15 million has been made available to support on-farm reservoir construction.

FETF 2026 was the final round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund in its current form; Defra is reviewing our wider grants offers to ensure they deliver the greatest benefit for farmers, food production and the environment. Decisions on the design and scope of any future offers have not yet been made.

Defra will continue to engage with farmers and industry stakeholders as we develop its future programme.