CLA AND NFU SAY REFORMING OF FLOOD FUNDS, AND PAYMENTS FOR PAST DAMAGE, WILL BE A RELIEF TO BRITISH POTATO GROWERS
DEFRA’S announcement that it is to reform flood funding and investment to protect farming communities is expected to come as welcome news to many British potato growers and is long overdue according to the CLA and NFU.
The government has confirmed £50 million will be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), the public bodies responsible for managing water levels for agricultural and environmental needs in a particular area. Payments will also be made to growers impacted by last year’s severe weather through the Farming Recovery Fund. A total of £60 million will be distributed to eligible growers, via recovery payments of between £2,895 and £25,000 to around 13,000 farm businesses.
Payments are expected to land in accounts from November 21st.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “Farmers are the backbone of the nation, with their hard work helping to put food on the family tables across the country. More intense weather events are destroying homes, businesses and livelihoods across the country, with farming communities facing the heaviest consequences.
“That is why this Government is reforming how flood funds are distributed to protect businesses, rural and coastal communities as we invest over £2.4 billion in flood defences across the country.”
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said delays to the Farming Recovery Fund have added to the “difficulties and volatility” faced by growers and said she is pleased the government will make payments swiftly now that the budget has been released.
“Internal drainage boards play a crucial role in water level management across the lowest-lying 10% of England, and need this extra support so they can more precisely control water levels to prevent flooding, support food production, and protect the environment,” she said.
“Farming is at the sharp end of climate change, which is adding unpredictable business risk, and further reducing confidence across the industry. It is urgent that the government develops long-term, sustainable approaches that allow the sector to adapt to climate change while reducing the risks for downstream communities.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said the long-awaited payments through the Farming Recovery Fund will come as a “huge relief” to growers impacted by the wettest 18 months since records began.
“Although the original cohort of eligible farmers affected were issued a payment, it has been deeply frustrating that many are yet to receive any support,” she said. “Relentless rain and devastating floods have rendered thousands of acres of farmland completely saturated and unusable, and this year’s incredibly difficult harvest saw huge variations in yield and quality. Payments through the Farming Recovery Fund are urgently needed to support those farmers impacted and help them recover.
“The extreme weather events of the past 18 months demonstrates that we cannot keep getting stuck in this cycle – we simply must invest in our water management systems. The Farming Recovery Fund is one part, but we need a long-term plan.”
