NFU calls on government help as farmland is damaged by severe flooding

Farming families are among those who have been left devastated by the effects of extreme flooding in the North of England.

NFU are asking for urgent government assistance for farmers’ just days after hundreds of our members said that increasingly severe weather events were threatening UK food production.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “Members have reported major incidents such as landslides which have wreaked havoc with their farmland, they have also told us of power cuts which have made running the business almost impossible, and have raised concerns about scheduled dairy collections and animal feed deliveries, which may be lost.

“We have been given reports locally of cereals crops being destroyed and cattle being moved to higher ground to prevent huge losses to livestock. Reports have been received of sheep being lost to the flooding in some areas.”

NFU representatives are working closely to support members not only for the short-term, but also in considering long-term effects of the flooding, particularly for those areas most affected.

In response to Monday’s Government pledge to make restoration of power and transport networks a priority 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.”