Farmers across England who have been devastated by recent floods and extreme weather will receive much-needed support from the expanded Farming Recovery Fund. With new eligibility criteria and an increase in funding, this initiative aims to assist farmers in rehabilitating their land and safeguarding the nation’s food security.
Background
The Farming Recovery Fund was initially launched to provide grants between £500 and £25,000 to help farmers restore their land to its pre-flood condition following Storm Henk. The scheme’s primary goal was to support those who experienced significant damage due to flooding and extreme wet weather.
However, following feedback from the farming community, the scheme has undergone significant updates. The 150-metre limit on land flooded by a river has been removed, thereby including all flooded land near eligible rivers. This change ensures that more farmers can benefit from the fund.
Expansion Details
The latest expansion of the Farming Recovery Fund includes several key changes:
- New Eligibility Criteria: The scheme now covers a wider geographical area and includes those who have experienced damage due to extreme rainfall.
- Funding Amounts: The minimum payment is set at £2,895, with a maximum of £25,000 available to eligible farmers.
- Application Process: Farmers will be identified using mapping and rainfall data to determine areas most affected by flooding and wet weather.
Payment and Timeline
Eligible farmers will be contacted directly by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), and payments are expected to be made this summer. This streamlined process ensures that funds reach those in need promptly, helping them to commence remediation work as soon as possible.
Additional Support Measures
The government has also announced further measures to support the agricultural sector:
- Advance Payments: The second instalment of this year’s delinked payment will be made from September, providing additional cash flow assistance.
- Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): This initiative rewards farmers for implementing flood preparedness actions, enhancing resilience to climate change.
- £75 Million for Internal Drainage Boards (IDB): This funding will accelerate recovery from recent storms and modernise flood management infrastructure.
Long-term Agricultural Resilience
In the context of agricultural transition, these measures form part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term resilience in the farming sector. Temporary adjustments to the Environmental Land Management Schemes will allow farmers more flexibility to meet scheme requirements despite adverse weather conditions.
Key Changes in the Farming Recovery Fund
Aspect |
Previous Criteria |
New Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Land | 150 metres from river | All land near eligible rivers |
| Damage Coverage | Flooding due to Storm Henk | Flooding and extreme rainfall |
| Minimum Payment | £500 | £2,895 |
| Maximum Payment | £25,000 | £25,000 |
| Identification of Farmers | Application-based | Mapping and rainfall data |
| Payment Timeline | Rolling | Payments made this summer |
Food For Thought
The expanded Farming Recovery Fund represents a crucial lifeline for farmers affected by severe weather across England. By broadening eligibility and increasing funding, the government is taking significant steps to support the agricultural community and ensure the sustainability of UK food production.
Farmers are encouraged to engage with the scheme and take advantage of the available support to restore their land and prepare for future challenges.
Sources: THX News, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs & The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP.
