06.01.20
£2m fund opens for farmers affected by flooding
Following the heavy floods back in November a £2 million fund to support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their property has opened today (6 Jan) for applications.
Last year the government confirmed that it would extend its Farming Recovery Fund so farmers in parts of South Yorkshire could apply for grants between £500 and £25,000 to cover a number of repair costs, such as removing debris, re-cultivation and replacing damaged field gates.
The announcement followed significant overtopping of flood defences and breaches in rivers occurred due to the unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding in parts of South Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and the Midlands, including areas in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire.
Theresa Villiers, Environment Secretary said: “I saw first-hand the impacts of this devastating flooding myself when visiting farmers in Lincolnshire in November.
“I am delighted we’ve been able to extend our Farming Recovery Fund to cover farmers in parts of South Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and the Midlands who were hit with unprecedented weather last year.
“This scheme, coupled with the other measures we’ve announced, will help farmers get back on their feet.”
Rural Payments Agency Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said: “We recognise there has been severe and unprecedented weather this year, so the RPA is working hard to offer advice and support to affected farmers to complete their Farming Recovery Fund applications.
“The Farming Recovery Fund provides support to farmers following extreme flooding events, contributing to the costs of the clean-up operation and to uninsurable losses.
“While insurance will pay out for the majority of the damage, under the Farming Recovery Fund farmers will be able to apply for money to help cover unexpected costs – such as rebuilding fences and stone walls.”