Farmers are up in arms at the government's steadfast refusal to accept monetary aid.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has attacked the government's decision not to claim compensation from Brusels, in an effort to help the UK farmers hit by last year's foot and mouth crisis.
The agrimoney package from the European Union (EU) would have been worth around £72 million, and the NFU have slammed the government's decision as 'short-sighted'.
NFU president Ben Gill said: 'This compensation is made available by the EU to ensure that farmers across Europe receive equal assistance.
'Today's decision not to apply for this money defies belief, particularly from a government that claims to be supporting the revival of British agriculture and yet sits back and ignores a prime opportunity to help.' The money would have assisted UK beef, sheep and, above all, dairy farmers, who received low levels of support in 1999 and 2000 in comparison to their EU counterparts.
Terrig Morgan, NFU milk chairman, said: 'This is a kick in the teeth for producers at a time when the morale and confidence of the industry is at an all-time low.' This decision by the government means no future agrimoney packages will be available to the UK.