Following increasing pressure from several agricultural organisations, including The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), the NFU, and others, a new hardship fund for dairy farmers has now opened.
The reduced demand for milk and other dairy products following the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown period, has meant that many dairy farmers up and down the country are now struggling more than ever financially.
With fixed costs of production impossible to meet, the impending Agricultural Bill, and changes to the BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) on the horizon, the government has finally made some acknowledgement that our dairy farmers are in need of help.
The new Dairy Response Fund is now open for applications and applications can be made via the government website.
How could the diary support fund help me?
- From the 18th June, 2020, dairy farmers in England who have suffered 25% price losses in April and May 2020 will be eligible to apply for a single payment from the fund.
- The funding will be paid out from the 6th July, 2020.
- Qualifying farmers can apply for support to cover up to 70% of their losses to coronavirus disruption across April and May 2020, up to a total amount of £10,000 each.
How do I go about getting access to this help?
To be eligible for support from the fund, you will need to demonstrate that you have suffered a reduction in the average price paid for milk of 25% or more in April 2020 when compared with February 2020.
Eligible farmers will be able to submit their applications directly to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) from June 18 2020. Make sure that you have/are discussing this with your accountant and where applicable, bank managers, we are all here to help and support you.
Once you have read through the Dairy Response Fund handbook and satisfied yourself that your eligible to apply, make sure you complete the Dairy Response Fund 2020 application form and send it to dairyresponse@rpa.gov.uk. Applications must be sent by midnight on Friday 14th August, 2020.
We have a dedicated Rural Sector Team here to help you
Harrison Drury solicitors has a dedicated rural sector team on hand to support you. With members of our team living in the agricultural and farming industries themselves, we understand the current challenges our farmers are facing.