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New Measures to support British farmersand prevent wildfires will see extra funding for struggling farms and a temporary ban on the sale of disposable BBQs.

It comes following severe drought which has hit the country following successive heat waves, wildfires and a lack of rain.

Crops and livestock have struggled in the heatwaves which the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural affairs say are some of the worst conditions in decades.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) latest report shows that wheat yields are 13 per cent below their five year average.

Spring barley and oats have fared even worse and are on track for their lowest yields since 1999 and a 46-year low respectively, as prolonged dry weather takes its toll.

New plans from Whitehall will see more flexibility in existing eco-schemes which will allow farmers to continue collecting payments during the extreme weather.

Disposable BBQs will also be temporarily banned from sale due to the “significant risk” they pose to the public during the ongoing droughts.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP will meet with farmers in the South West of England today, and said they had “brought in the earliest harvest of their working lives” despite crop yield reductions.

He added: “Lower income, higher costs, and no rain in the forecast. I understand the worry that comes with that.”

“The ability to grow our own food is national security, and I will treat it that way. So we are acting now: more money into farm support, help to get reservoirs built, and easier access to water when it is scarce.

“This is the third drought in five years. Farmers are at the sharp end of a changing climate, and they should not be carrying that risk alone.”

Under the scheme some £50 million will be invested into the existing sustainable farming programs from the government.

There will also be action taken to make it easier to build new reservoirs, such as through updating planning guidance.

Campaigners say that farmers have been calling for action from Downing Street “for weeks” as the ongoing droughts hit their way of life.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance told the Daily Express: “Drought and wildfires are causing absolute misery in the countryside. Rural communities have been crying out for support for weeks.

“It is essential the Prime Minister now listens to those impacted and acts fast. We need to see much more cooperation between politicians in Westminster and those that actually know and work the land like farmers and gamekeepers.”

Angela Eagle MP, the Environment Secretary, said: “I am acutely aware of the pressures exceptionally dry weather is placing on farm businesses.

“Our farmers are facing some of the toughest conditions in decades, which is why we’re stepping in with practical support to help them through these challenging conditions and build resilience for the future.

“We’ll continue working closely with farmers and our partners to respond to the impacts of the drought, while building a stronger, more resilient farming sector through our Farming Roadmap.”

Overall £15 million will be made available for building on-farm reservoirs which will help farmers store water to protect against future droughts.