Around 2,000 sheep and cattle are believed to have drowned during the floods, according to new figures.
Flood defences performed as they were designed to but because of the exceptional levels of rainfall we have seen water overtopping some flood defences. These defences have still provided vital time for the emergency services to evacuate homes and preparations to be made.
The Minister of State George Eustice recently announced that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will not carry out inspections in the flooded areas and will make use of any flexibility in cross compliance and animal movement rules for affected farmers.
Mr Raymond added: "We strongly urge support for those of our members with fallen stock disposal, who require urgent repair to flood damaged property and help with feed delivery and milk collection. We need government and agencies to make it easier for farmers repairing flood damage to land, walls and fences, and to remove rubbish and debris, which is a threat to livestock welfare. In the longer term, we need more resilient channels and bridges able to cope with rapid run-off.
“Prompt action needs to be taken which uses all the tools in the box, including repairing banks and removing debris, whilst also slowing the flow, storing water and improving infiltration further upstream, where appropriate.
“We have also heard examples where gravel has been washed up on farms. Following the 2009 this was treated as hazardous waste when removal was attempted. We will be lobbying the Environment Agency and DEFRA on this point on behalf of members.
"We also call on the RPA to urgently look at helping those farmers severely impacted by the flooding where BPS and ELS/HLS payments have yet to be made. We are asking for the government to make partial payments be made for those affected immediately."
The Farming Recovery Fund, announced recently by The Minister of State George Eustice, will help those who have been affected by flooding to restore damaged agricultural land.
Details on how to apply are expected to be on GOV.UK on 18 December, with applicants likely to have two months to apply. To help those affected who may want to apply, RPA has issued advice on steps they can take now to prepare:
•It is really important for farmers to document the extent of any damage with photographs.
•Essential work, such as securing the area for stock, can start but it’s important farmers take photos to show the damage they experienced. Any assessment of applications will need to ensure claims are eligible and provide good value for money.
Once the scheme has opened the RPA dedicated team will be able to take enquiries and advise farmers about requirements.
