An emergency fund to help farmers affected by Storm Desmond to restore damaged agricultural land launches has been launched, Farming Minister George Eustice announced.
Flood-affected farmers in Cumbria, Lancashire and Northumberland who have suffered uninsurable losses can apply for Farming Recovery Fund grants of up to £20,000 via the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to help restore soils, rebuild tracks and repair flood channels.
Farming Minister George Eustice said: “I’m pleased to announce the Farming Recovery Fund has opened to help farmers caught up in the recent flooding.
“Using satellite imagery from the Copernicus system, and working with the Environment Agency and National Farmers’ Union, we believe over 600 farms in Cumbria and surrounding counties have been affected.
“We are determined to help these communities get back on their feet and this fund forms part of a wider £60million package of government support for the area.”
Full details on how to apply, including application forms and guidance can be found on the RPA’s GOV.UK pages. Farmers wanting further advice on their application can call the Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Once all checks are completed, the RPA will aim to make payments against valid claims direct into bank accounts within five working days. The agency will pay out on all eligible claims and applications will close on 18 March 2016.
