Government snubs EU flood assistance
Government snubs EU flood assistance
By Alistair Driver
GOVERNMENT officials turned down the chance to participate in EU schemes to help flood-hit farmers, it has emerged.
In a letter seen by farmers weekly, European farm commissioner, Franz Fischler, told Conservative MEP Philip Bradbourn that two flood schemes were available under EU rural development programmes.
But, he said: "When drawing up the England Rural Development Programme for the period 2000-2006, the UK authorities did not choose to make use of this measure."
One measure aimed at flood prevention is used in Germany and the Netherlands, which will receive about £30m under the scheme.
Another scheme used by Germany, Italy and Spain provides for the restoration of agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters.
After receiving the letter, Mr Bradbourn said it was "completely crazy" that the British government had not taken advantage of the available money.
Recent floods are estimated to have cost British farmers up £500m in damage and lost crops, according to the NFU.
The government has made some moves to help affected producers by relaxing some subsidy rules, especially regarding set-aside land.
Not prioritised
A MAFF spokesman said regional organisations had decided what went in to the ERDP and none prioritised the flood schemes.
"It is easy for anyone to be wise after the event, but the events of this winter were unprecedented."
The UK has a low fixed budget for the ERDP, which was based on historical UK expenditure. Changes to incorporate the flood schemes will only happen if the budget was increased, the spokesman said. *