The government has launched a £2 million fund to help farmers affected by summer flooding following intense campaigning from the NFU.
In July, parts of the Yorkshire Dales experienced some of the most intense rainfall ever recorded in the UK, with 113mm of rain falling in just three hours.
The month before, brassica growers and other farmers faced serious flooding after a flood embankment breached near Wainfleet in Lincolnshire.
Through the Farming Recovery Fund, farmers in North Yorkshire and Wainfleet who have suffered uninsurable damage to their property can apply for grants of between £500 and £25,000 to cover repair costs.
Defra’shandbookincludes full details of what is eligible and how to apply for funding.
Farmers have until 31 March 2020 to submit an application to the Rural Payments Agency for grants.
NFU vice president Stuart Roberts said: “The reinstatement of the Farming Recovery Fund, which we called for, will be a huge relief to those farmers affected by the flooding events in the Yorkshire Dales and Lincolnshire.
“We know from speaking to our members on the ground just how costly the clean-up is proving with some farmers facing bills of tens of thousands of pounds to remove stone from fields, rebuild fences and dry-stone walls, and clear up thousands of acres of lost crops.
“The NFU will continue to work with Defra to ensure that the scheme is implemented, and farmers are able to apply for the funding they desperately need.”
He added that as extreme and volatile weather events become more frequent, the NFU will “take all necessary steps to protect productive farmland”.
Defra secretary Theresa Villiers said: “I’m delighted to open the Farming Recovery Fund and would encourage all those affected to check what they are eligible to apply for and to submit an application promptly.”
