Flood hit farmers can apply for £35,000 grant
Farmers who were affected by flooding can now apply for grants of up to £35,000 to help get their land back into production as quickly as possible.
From today farmers can now apply for the larger grant under phase two of the Farming Recovery Fund. The deadline for applications is 27 June 2014.
We have already been taking bids for grants of up to £5,000 as part of phase one of the £10 million fund which was announced in February.
However, we have kept money in reserve for the worst affected farmers who needed longer to assess the extent of flood damage once the land had dried out.
Farmers who have already applied for the first grant can also apply for the second larger grant, up to a collective total of £35,000.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said:
“Our farming industry contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy every year. We want to see those farmers affected by flooding get back to business as soon as possible.”
“We have simplified the application process, making it quicker and easier for farmers in need of support to receive up to £35,000 to get their land back into production.”
The intention to increase the fund was announced by Owen Paterson on a visit to a flood affected farm on the Somerset levels earlier this month.
Among the changes made to improve the process is scrapping the need for three quotes for a number of commonly requested items, such as grass seed and fencing, and a list of maximum guide prices will be used instead.
We have been turning around all application forms within two weeks of them being received and will continue to offer this rapid turnaround.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said:
“This funding is essential to help cover the costs of restoring damaged land following the unprecedented storms this winter, which have also had an enormous impact on so many people’s livelihoods.
“We are especially pleased to see that a list of standard costs will be used and that Government is committed to and is delivering such a fast turnaround so communities – both of which will speed up the help provided.”