Plans are underway to have southern Marlborough declared a drought affected area.
Co-ordinator of the Top of the South Rural Support Trust, Ian Blair, says while droughts are usually declared in spring, sustained low rainfall has resulted in multi-million dollar losses for some farmers in the Awatere Valley.
He says the main reason behind the move is to keep the area on the Government's radar in case things get worse.
Mr Blair says declaring southern Marlborough a drought affected area also makes it easier for farmers to get tax breaks and social assistance.
