News

Flood fund deadline extension is called for Somerset level victims

Posted 10/06/2014

 

Last winter parts of the Summerset Levels were under water for months, farmers are able to claim up to £35,000 each from a £10m fund from the UK government to get their land back into production.

The country land and business association has said some farmers are finding it difficult to meet the deadline of 27th June. 

Farmers are able to apply for funding from Defra's Farming Recovery Fund to restore flooded agricultural land and bring it back into production.

Ben Thorn, from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) in the South West, said the current deadline should not be extended, but a second window of opportunity to apply for money should be introduced in the autumn.

A spokesman for Defra said: "We want to see flood affected farmers get back to business as soon as possible which is why we've created the £10 million fund.

"Farmers can apply for up to £35,000 of funding until the 27 June to get their land back into production. They then have until January 2015 to undertake the work.

"We are working with farmers to talk them through the process and answer any questions."