The Agricultural Water Resilience Grant Scheme offers £1.3 million in funding, provided by the government and Cambridgeshire County Council. It will be delivered by WRE (Water Resources East) to help agricultural and horticultural businesses improve their water resilience.
Grants will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with awards ranging from £2,000 to £50,000. Funding is available for standard capital items, such as rainwater harvesting and precision irrigation equipment, as well as bespoke projects and innovative approaches.
A precious and pressured resource
Cambridgeshire is already facing growing pressure on its water resources, with shortages affecting not just agriculture, but the wider economy, communities, and the natural environment.
Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Water is one of Cambridgeshire’s most precious and pressured resources.
“This new scheme will help farmers and growers take practical action to secure their own water supply while reducing overall water demand in the county.
“Together with Water Resources East, we’re supporting the farming sector, while helping to deliver our vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire.”
Applications will be accepted until 17 January 2027. They will be reviewed on 27 September 2026, 29 November 2026, and 17 January 2027. Successful projects should be delivered by spring 2027.
Details about the scheme will be available on the WRE website from Monday.
Webinar on 20 July
Farmers are being invited to join a webinar on 20 July at 10am to find out more.