Defra flood fund 'welcome news for farmers'

Farmers hit by recent flooding are being offered grants of up to £35,000, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs have announced.

This fund is designed to support activities that reduce the consequences of severe flooding on agricultural land and help restore its physical capital.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU welcomes today’s announcement by Defra with farmers hit by recent flooding being offered grants of up to £35,000. This funding is essential to help cover the costs of restoring damaged land following the unprecedented storms this winter.

“We recognise that farmers have faced difficulties in applying for funding under phase 1 of the scheme due to the need for three quotes and a letter from their insurer as well as having to wait for confirmation from Defra before starting any work.

“The NFU looks forward to seeing the full details of phase 2 when applications open on April 28 and hope that moving to standard costs will address these difficulties and ensure the process is quicker and easier for farmers.”

Farmers impacted by the recent flooding who started eligible work or bought equipment between December 1 2013 and February 25 2014 when the fund was first announced are able to apply to the Farm Recovery Fund (FRF) retrospectively.