Charities gear up for foot and mouth calls

Farming charities are bracing themselves for an upturn in calls following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has implemented its emergency procedures to ensure that requests for help are processed speedily.

“We know from bitter experience how devastating the movement restrictions can be to livestock farmers for whom cash flow is critical,” says RABI chief executive Paul Burrows.

“We are already providing support for those hit by the recent floods and we are especially concerned about the effect that the movement restrictions will have on those families in the flooded areas.

“We expect that the long-term effects, coupled with increased feed prices, will result in a considerable increase in the number of people suffering hardship.

“During the 2001 epidemic we helped more than 8,000 farming families, paying out £9 million. In extreme cases we were able to turn round applications for help within 24 hours and if necessary we will be in a position to match that response,” said Mr Burrows.
 
RABI provides emergency funding to cover domestic expenses for farming families and considers all reasonable requests for financial assistance. You can call them in confidence on 01865 727888.