Chris Hill

Six North Norfolk farms have formed North Norfolk Farming Friends to jointly promote attractions including a maize maze, pick-your-own fruit, flower gathering and local drinks. The partnership aims to share marketing costs, increase visitor numbers and create alternative income as farmers face extreme weather, rising costs and reduced subsidies. Participants say postcard discounts and social-media promotion have already attracted visitors, while the group plans to expand with seasonal offerings such as pumpkins and Christmas trees.

The UK government has announced a £65m drought support package for farmers, including £50m for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and up to £15m for on-farm reservoirs. The measures also provide greater flexibility in environmental schemes and simpler access to water during drought conditions. The package follows severe heat and record-dry conditions that have damaged cereal harvests, restricted irrigation in East Anglia and depleted livestock feed supplies. The CLA and NFU welcomed the intervention but said it was insufficient without longer-term investment, planning reform, water infrastructure and immediate help with farmers’ cashflow pressures.

A new Norfolk-based online network called Offa is being trialled to connect farmers with under-used land, buildings, machinery and personnel. The platform initially focuses on matching farmland with cropping and seasonal grazing needs, with plans to expand into machinery, contracting and other resources. Co-founder Mike Mack says the service could help farms use assets more efficiently and create partnerships across different types and sizes of businesses. The site already has more than 50 users, will introduce a subscription of about £12.50 per month after its formal launch, and is offering micro-grants of up to £500 for collaborative farming projects.