Deadline for farm flood grants days away

Farmers needing support to get back on their feet after the winter floods have until the end of next week to apply for government funding.

Grants of between £500 and £35,000 are available to farmers affected by the floods. The Flood Recovery Fund closes for applications on 27 June. Defra is encouraging farmers with queries to call a dedicated helpline on 0300 060 2700.

Read more: Defra urges flood farmers to use emergency funds

Funding can be used to restore productive agricultural and horticultural land, field access, trackways and agricultural drainage on flood-damaged land. It can also be used to buy or hire equipment for restoring land and repairing damage to agricultural machinery and buildings.

Defra secretary Owen Paterson said: “We want farmers to get their businesses back on track as quickly as possible and have made up to £35,000 available to those affected by the winter flooding. With a week left to apply, I urge farmers to get applications in soon.

“Grants are available both for work already carried out and for work that still needs to be done. Farmers just need to provide evidence of the damage caused by flooding, along with an application form that is quick and easy to fill out and available either on our website or by calling our helpline.”