A new water resilience grant scheme for farmers and growers has launched this week (Monday 20 July 2026) helping boost agricultural water resilience across the county.
Farmers, growers and horticultural businesses across Cambridgeshire can now apply for grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 from a £1.3 million grant scheme designed to improve water efficiency, strengthen resilience to drought and support sustainable food production.
With funding provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the scheme is being delivered by Water Resources East (WRE) in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council as part of the Cambridge Water Efficiency Programme.
The launch comes as Cambridgeshire’s agricultural sector faces growing pressure on water resources due to climate change, population growth and increasing environmental demands. Improving on-farm water efficiency is key to securing future water supplies, protecting sensitive river environments, and supporting long-term food production.
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “With our farmers and growers facing hotter, drier summers, we want to support them to create a balanced, long-term approach to water management and make the sector more resilient to these pressures. This funding will enable farmers and growers to take practical action to improve water resilience while supporting the sustainable management of our water resources. Local projects such as this highlight our work to support a green and sustainable county, by managing the effects of a changing climate securing the future of water, food and farming.”
Daniel Johns, Managing Director at Water Resources East, said: “Water availability is becoming an increasing challenge for agricultural businesses across the region. This scheme provides a practical opportunity for farmers and growers to invest in solutions that improve water efficiency, strengthen resilience and support sustainable food production for the future.”
The first window for applications for the scheme is now open to agricultural and horticultural businesses operating within Cambridgeshire. Applications will be reviewed at three intervals, based on applications received before midnight on: 27 September 2026, 29 November 2026 and 17 January 2027.
Further information, including eligibility guidance and the application form, is available from Water Resources East’s website: https://wre.org.uk/agricultural-water-resilience-grant/
