During the first five months of 2016 R.A.B.I has seen a large increase in the number of working farmers seeking our help.
From January to mid-May this year the charity has helped 112 farmers in financial hardship with funds totalling almost £217,000.
In comparison, during the same period last year it helped 58 farmers with funds totalling £93,500.
This represents a 132% increase in payments to working farmers in need.
Trish Pickford, Head of Welfare at R.A.B.I, said: "There are various reasons why more working farmers are turning to us for support, including the hardship caused by flooding, particularly in the north of England, at the start of the year.
"It has also been a bad year for many families affected by falling commodity prices and / or delays in Basic Payments.
"Such things mean that there is less to fall back on when something out of the ordinary happens, such as illness or accidents."
Supporting farming people of all ages
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is a welfare charity which helps to change lives for the better.
It supports farming people of all ages if they are in financial difficulty and of limited means and treat every application for support on its own merits, working with compassion, discretion and friendship.
The way they can help includes giving one-off or regular grants, as well as provide essential household items and disability equipment.
So if you or someone you know could benefit from their support, the message is simple: please call our helpline on 0808 281 9490.
