Farmer Welfare Grant, 2026 - 2029

Here we set out broad criteria for potential funding eligibility, so that we can engage with a range of organisations. We will refine these criteria further before launching the fund. 

The funding should be used to support the work of charities and/or third sector not for-profit organisations whose main remit is working to support farmer health and welfare. These could be organisations that work with members of the farming community directly (engagement/outreach) or provide information/online services to help farmers access further tailored support. Both larger/national as well as smaller/regional organisations are eligible to apply.  

Any English organisation that believes they can deliver a suitable project is able to apply for the funding. Eligible organisations include and are not limited to:  

• Charitable organisations focusing on farmer health and welfare  

• Not-for-profit organisations focusing on farmer health and welfare  

• Other third sector farmer-support organisations  

• Smaller/regionally focussed farmer welfare organisations  

• Larger/nationally focussed farmer welfare organisations  

• Multiple farmer-support organisations working together to deliver a suitable ‘joint project’  

• Farmer-support organisations that are or are not already supported by ‘the Farming Collaboration Fund’  

• Farmer-support organisations that are or are not involved in a ‘Landscape Recovery’ Partnership Scheme  

• Farmer-support organisations that are or are not already part of a Government Scheme   

• Farmer-support organisations that are or are not in receipt of a Government Grant  

• Farmer-support organisations that have received a Direct Award Grant from Defra in the past   

Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish organisations will not be eligible and must look to devolved government grants for support.  

All delivery partners will need to demonstrate that they can manage the finances they are asking to receive and have appropriate governance and reporting processes in place. They will also need to show they have a plan of how they will work towards our objectives. 

·       Our objectives, for this to be considered successful, include: 

·       Increased access to mental health support for agricultural workers 

·       Increased uptake of agriculture specific mental health support  

·       Increased access to business resilience support in the agricultural community 

·       Increased understanding of what Defra schemes are available to individuals and how to access them. 

Our intended long-term outcomes  include: 

·       Protecting individuals’ long-term wellbeing 

·       Reduced disparity in mental health outcomes between farmers and the general population 

·       Increased sector resilience and wellbeing 

·       Famers better able to look after their animals and manage their businesses

 Objectives

·       Our objectives, for this to be considered successful, include: 

·       Increased access to mental health support for agricultural workers 

·       Increased uptake of agriculture specific mental health support  

·       Increased access to business resilience support in the agricultural community 

·       Increased understanding of what Defra schemes are available to individuals and how to access them. 

Our intended long-term outcomes  include: 

·       Protecting individuals’ long-term wellbeing. 

·       Reduced disparity in mental health outcomes between farmers and the general population. 

·       Increased sector resilience and wellbeing. 

·       Famers better able to look after their animals and manage their businesses.

This government is tripling previous funding for farmer mental health and wellbeing support, with an overall new fund of £1.5 million over 3 years.

The funding will support tailored interventions to help farmers and their families, and help prevent further cases of poor mental health by building resilience within farming communities.

The fund is not yet open for applications, however initial engagement has highlighted a strong appetite for shared learning and stronger links between organisations, and we would like to build on that together. 

We are inviting organisations who work in the farmer welfare space to share best practice and connect with each other. 

On Tuesday 9th June 10:30-13:45, we’re hosting a workshop at Roots and Shoots, Kennington, SE11 6DN .  Tea, coffee, and a light lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

For anyone unable to travel, there will be an online option from 10:45-12:45.

We’re also looking for volunteers to present short case studies (approx. 15 - 20 minutes) on an activity or project you’re delivering in this space. We’d welcome reflections on what’s working, any challenges, and the practical learning and tips you would share with others.

Please sign up here if you would like to attend and indicate on the form if you would like to present a case study. We have limited capacity for in-person attendees, so we will allocate on a first come first served basis.

Sign-ups will close at midnight on Friday 22nd May. 

Please feel free to forward this invite to organisations working to support farmer welfare who we may not have reached. If you are unable to attend this event but would like to be notified about the launch of the new and expanded Farmer Welfare Grant, please sign up to Defra’s Farming Blog here.

Sign up form Please send enquiries to email: farmingengagement@defra.gov.uk

 Sign up form Please send enquiries to email: farmingengagement@defra.gov.uk